James "Rick" Richard Hoel, Jr.

James Richard Hoel Jr., lovingly known as Rick, passed away peacefully in Bluffton, South Carolina. Born in 1948 in Evanston, Illinois, to Jean and Jim Hoel, Rick lived a life filled with purpose, passion, and unwavering dedication to those he loved and served.

Rick grew up in Evanston and attended Evanston Township High School, where he played football and formed many lifelong friendships. He spent summers working at Camp Echo and vacationing with his family in Northern Michigan—experiences that fostered his deep appreciation for nature, tradition, and togetherness. He attended Colgate University from 1966 to 1970, where he further developed the intellectual and personal foundation that would guide his remarkable life and career.

In 1968, Rick married Louise Byrne, and they welcomed their daughter Jenifer. He went on to earn his law degree from the University of Arizona. After law school, Rick, Louise, and Jenifer moved to Colorado, beginning a new chapter as a young family.

Rick married Pamela in 1981, and together they welcomed their daughter Jamie in 1982. The family lived on Chicago’s North Shore before eventually making their home in Bluffton, South Carolina.

Rick’s professional path would ultimately take him across the globe. He brought more than 25 years of international legal, financial, and management experience to the roles he served. As Director of Motorola’s Asia-Pacific Law Department based in Hong Kong in the mid-1990s, he helped lead legal and financial strategies and negotiated numerous acquisitions and divestitures across Asia and around the world. He later served as General Counsel for Johnson Controls’ Integrated Facility Management Group. He was widely respected as a mentor and leader.

In Bluffton, Rick continued to live a life of service. He was deeply involved in his church community at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, where he served as Chair of the Church Council and Missions Chair. His compassion, leadership, and commitment to others were evident to all who knew him.

A passionate traveler, Rick explored every continent, often in the company of his wife and family. He sought connection, understanding, and beauty in each place he visited. Whether mentoring colleagues, engaging in mission work, or simply sharing stories around the table, Rick lived a life of meaning and heart.

Rick is survived by his beloved wife, Pamela; daughters Jenifer Shaw and Jamie Hoel; son-in-law Bryan Shaw; and grandchildren Emma, Jack, and Kate. He is also survived by his sister Kim Creadick and brother-in-law Chris Creadick; and sister-in-law Julie Hoel. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jean and Jim Hoel, and his brother, Gil Hoel.

Rick’s legacy is one of wisdom, warmth, and wonder. He will be missed dearly by all who had the privilege of knowing him.