Dr. James R Hook passed away peacefully on November 24, 2022, in Solomons MD, at the age of 79.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years Bonnie Hook of Prince Frederick; his son Kevin (Dona) of Prince Frederick; brother Charles Hook of Westminster; grandsons Trevor, Travis, Gavin and Garrett Hook of Prince Frederick.
Dr. James Hook was born in Baltimore, MD in 1943 to James and Dorothy Hook. He attended Westminster High School before completing his bachelor’s degree at Western Maryland College. Upon graduation he was hired as a teacher and coach at William Sampson Brooks Senior High School in 1966. He moved to Calvert High school in 1968 where he taught social studies, coached baseball and was the yearbook sponsor until 1974. Between 1974 and 1987 he held several administrative positions while earning his master’s degree in administration from Loyola University and his Doctor of Education Degree from Nova University. In 1987 Dr. Hook was named the Assistant Superintendent of Administration and Deputy Superintendent in 1994. From 1997-2003 Dr. Hook lead Calvert County Public Schools as the Superintendent of schools. He was loved by most who met him because he cared about every single employee and student in the system. He could always be found walking through schools talking to students and employees alike keeping his finger on the pulse of the school system.
Besides working for the school system for 37 years Jim had other passions as well. He was an avid Baltimore sports fan and would always announce at the beginning of every season that his teams were going to win a championship. He loved country music and country dancing. Most weekends he could be found playing music at parties or dancing at country night clubs and he always made his yearly pilgrimage to Nashville. He also loved hitting every yard sale he could find on Saturday mornings with his friends. His other love from childhood was baseball card collecting. This love led him to open his own card store in Huntingtown, aptly named Hooked on Cards. More kids knew him as the card guy than the superintendent of schools.
The family will welcome visitation from 2-6 on Wednesday, November 30 followed by a brief service at 6pm. Internment will be held privately on Thursday in Westminster.
The family would like to send their sincere appreciation to the staff at Calvert Health Medical Center and Asbury Nursing Center for their compassionate care of Jim in his last weeks.
In lieu of sending flowers please consider donating to your local school’s booster club or PTA to help support our students with their academic, fine arts and athletic aspirations.
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Phil Schreiber
December 2 – Obituary: Dr. James Randolph Hook
I just received word about the passing of Jim Hook. I only have pleasant memories of my past interactions with him, while I was a teacher in Calvert County. I always thought of him as a kind, reasonable, considerate and fair person. He will be missed.
My deepest condolences to his family
Donnie Storms
December 1 – Obituary: Dr. James Randolph Hook
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Hook family. Coach Hook was one of my coaches in football and baseball during my years at Calvert. I also had him for History and he made the class exciting. He will be sorely missed.
Frankie Godwin
December 1 – Obituary: Dr. James Randolph Hook
Mr. Hook was a great and fun teacher. He was a man who held his students accountable in his friendly and meaningful demeanor. Enjoyed Mr. Hook and he will always be remebered as an influencer in my eductaional years at Calvert.
3864 Sixes Rd
December 1 – Obituary: Dr. James Randolph Hook
To my Supervisor Kevin Hook and family. So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time!
Susan and Douglas Hance
November 30 – Obituary: Dr. James Randolph Hook
Jim and Bonnie have been neighbors of ours at Dares Beach ever since they came to Calvert County. My children and Kevin used to play together and we will never forget the snow day when he rode his sled under our front yard fence into the street and came up without a scratch. My grandson went to school with Travis and they were friends in elementary school. We were glad to have known him and his family. He left an indelible mark on the school system in the county. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bonnie, Kevin and the whole family at this sad time. I am sorry we will not be able to attend his service as I am recovering from surgery and not too mobile right now but we will hold you in our thoughts.
Katie Grover
November 30 – Obituary: Dr. James Randolph Hook
Lord, in your mercy, surround the Hook family with your peace, your mercy, your grace, and your assurance. Hold them closely as they grieve; walk with them through this dark valley of grief as you walked with Dr. Hook through the valley of the shadow of death. Jesus, may they rest in the comfort of the hope of the resurrection. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Bonnie, Kevin, Dona, & the boys,
Please accept my condolences. I know Jim loves his family, and I know he will be missed. Dr. Hook was generous and invested in the school and the community, leaving a legacy. He seemed to find joy in the big and the little, even a can of spam wrapped up under the Christmas tree.
~Katie Grover
Richard Harmon
November 30 – Obituary: Dr. James Randolph Hook
Great man! Always invoked in a variety of after school activities and clubs.
Marlene Stewart
November 30 – Obituary: Dr. James Randolph Hook
You have my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Hook.
Joel Dorsey
November 30 – Obituary: Dr. James Randolph Hook
Sending prayers and condolences from the Dorsey family. Mr. Hook was a great guy and will be missed.
Elizabeth Dorsey
November 30 – Obituary: Dr. James Randolph Hook
Jim was a great friend, mentor, and a great Superintendent. Loved by everyone, He will surely be missed. His knowledge of sports and love of country music which he loved to share will not be forgotten. Condolence to Bonny and Kevin’s family, may Jim rest in peace.
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