James Hood

James (“Jim”) Hood, 95, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in Winter Haven, Florida. Born in 1931 to Ruth and Edwin Hood, Jim was the last surviving member of his immediate family, having been one of eleven siblings. Jim lived a long, thoughtful, and quietly remarkable life shaped by devotion to family, intellectual curiosity, and enduring companionship.

Jim married his first wife, Elizabeth (“Betty”) Stillman, in 1950 with whom he shared seven children until her passing in 1969. He later married Katherine Bollinger, embracing her two children, Beth and Byron Bollinger, as part of his own family. After 39 years of marriage, Katherine preceded him in death in 2009, as did Byron in 2003. Jim shared deep companionship and friendship with Sally Thompson for 15 years, who remained a meaningful presence in his life until his passing.

Jim raised his family in New Jersey, where he built a long and steady career with a firm in Pennsauken, working there for more than 30 years. After retiring from that chapter, he pursued several entrepreneurial ventures before fully retiring. He later relocated to Arkansas and finally Florida, where he enjoyed the later years of his life.

A quiet soul with a sharp mind, Jim was rarely seen without a book in hand or a bridge game on his calendar. He enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends, often playing card games until late in the evening. In his early 80’s, he learned square dancing and spent many years participating in dance events with his companion, Sally. In February, his family gathered for a long weekend in Florida to celebrate his 95th birthday, an unforgettable time filled with laughter, stories, and the deep connection he fostered among his children.

Jim is survived by his children:

James Craig Hood and wife Susan, Debbie (Hood) DeMarco and husband John, Michael Hood and wife Linda, Matthew Hood and wife Basia, Wayne Hood and wife Margie, Pam (Hood) Van Istendal and husband George, Jamie (Hood) Bachrach and husband Gary, and Beth Bollinger.

He is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, all of whom carry forward his legacy of resilience, curiosity, and quiet strength.

His grandchildren include:

Kyle Hood (and wife Leslie), Derek DeMarco, Karly (DeMarco) DiBeneditto (and husband Christopher), Tina (DeMarco) Meyer (and husband Shawn), Michael Hood, Jr. (and wife Liza), Karl Hood, Brittany (Hood) Aman (and husband Mansoor), Jackie Hood, Jared Hood (and fiancé, Kailee Ambrosia), Daniele Hood (and husband Rich), Jessie (Hood) Kramer (and husband Bryan), Scott Hood, Christopher Campbell (and wife Amanda), Nicole (Campbell) Blatcher (and husband Sean), Tim Campbell, Dana Campbell, Sammi Bachrach, Ryan Bachrach, Paul Bollinger, and Jennifer (Bollinger) Frank (and her husband Anthony James).

His great-grandchildren include:

James Hood, Michael Hood, III, Ava & Scarlett DiBeneditto, Malena, Brennan, Kinsley & Graham Meyer, Sophia, Noah & Luca Aman, Elliana Kramer, Aubrey Bollinger, Zoe Frank, and Byron Bollinger. Jim is also survived by one great-great grandchild, Bodhi Lee Bollinger.

Fulfilling his wishes, Jim will be cremated, and his ashes will be laid to rest with his first wife, Betty, in Cinnaminson, New Jersey in a private family ceremony. Details for a celebration of life will be shared later. Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of the Library of Congress, Literacy and Reading Programs fund honoring his lifelong love of books and learning.

https://www.loc.gov/philanthropy/online-donation/fund