James J. Hockett

James J. Hockett was born on April 20, 1927 to John and Geraldine (Fahs) Hockett in Manning, Iowa. He graduated from Tennant High School in 1944 and spent two years in the United States Army.

On August 2, 1946, James was united in marriage to Arletha Blair in Hiawatha, Kansas. Four children were born to this union: Sheryl, Carol, Jamie, and Pamela.

Hockett Trucking was established in 1936 and Jim went into business with his dad after his graduation in 1944. His son Jamie went into business with him in 1980. Jim sold the business to Jamie in 1996 and allegedly began his retirement. Of course, he continued to drive during his so-called retirement.

Jim was a big fan of the Kansas City Royals and loved going to baseball games. He also loved to travel. Jim was a hard-working, loving husband, dad, and grandpa, whose favorite time of year was Christmas. He even enjoyed Christmas shopping for his family.

Jim died on Saturday, December 19, 2009, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty-two years, seven months, and twenty-nine days. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jim is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Arletha (Blair) Hockett of Tennant, Iowa; his children: Sheryl and her husband James Hansen of Papillion, Nebraska, Carol Kern of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Jamie Hockett and his wife Kristi of Tennant, Iowa, and Pamela and her husband David Hipnar of Vail, Iowa; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; sister Jacquetta Tucker of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; other family members, and many friends.

Rev. Orris Drake officiated the 11:00 AM funeral service on Tuesday, December 22, 2009, at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa. Honorary casket bearers were Chuck Schumacher, Rodney Rosenow, Tom Ewoldt, Rodney Bates, Shane Havick, Ralph Doran, Kenny Escher, Ron Peters, and Harold Peters. Serving as casket bearers were Joshua Hockett, Richard Burroughs, Jr., R. Michael Reis, Kevin Kern, Andrew Hipnar, and Ryan Avis. Military Rites were held by the Shelby American Legion Post No. 240 of Shelby, Iowa at the Shelby Cemetery in Shelby, Iowa.