James "Jim" William Hood
September 21, 1938 ~ April 10, 2022
James (Jim) William Hood passed away on April 10th at his residence in Centreville, Virginia after battling many illnesses over the past several years.
He was born September 21, 1938 at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C. to parents Lorena Jones Hood and Irvin G. Hood. He grew up in McLean, Virginia in a home that was laboriously and lovingly built by his parents from a Sears Roebuck kit.
From a very early age, attending Sunday School was expected - no excuses for non-attendance. He had a given number of set chores which ranged from weeding his mother's strawberry patch to assisting with the dressing out of the chickens she raised for sale. About the age of six, he and his cousin delivered newspapers to most of McLean. Each spring, he would use his share of the paper route money to purchase a yearling calf which he would then raise until it would be of a marketable size.
In his elementary school days, spent at Franklin Sherman Elementary, he was known as “Jim Bill.” Later, he attended Fairfax High School. During his teenage years he was actively involved with the MYF at Trinity United Methodist Church and was a member of the Sharon Lodge of the United Order of Demolay where at one point he served as Master Counselor. During high school, he worked part time for Rector's Florist. Upon graduation from high school, he joined the Air Force. His basic training was at Lackland AFB after which he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Upon returning stateside, he was based at Chanute AFB in Iowa. From there to Sioux City, Iowa, then to Minot, North Dakota, and lastly to Bolling AFB in Washington, D.C..
In December 1959, he married his Fairfax High classmate, Elsie Dick. Leaving the Air Force in 1961, he went to work for the CIA where he remained for thirty four years. His work assignments were varied and took him to many parts of the world—Africa, Scandinavia, India, South and Central America as well as many places within the United States.
From 1967 to 1969, he lived in England with wife Elsie and son George and he worked at RAF Croughton. From 1972 to 1974 the family, which then included daughter Tammy, resided in Lancaster, CA where he was stationed at Edwards AFB. From California the family moved to Centreville, Virginia where he was residing at the time of his death.
Jim served the community as a volunteer firefighter holding many positions—anywhere from actively fighting fires to doing administrative work as the secretary/treasurer for both the local volunteer fire department, as well as the county's volunteer fire association He put in many hours fundraising by calling bingo to canvassing the neighborhood for funds to buy new equipment. He took great interest in documenting fire calls, rescue missions, training activities of the Centreville Volunteer Fire Department through his love of photography. Jim was a lifetime member of both McLean VFD and the Centreville VFD.
Jim was an avid collector of MANY things! His greatest passion was collecting die-cast toy cars-a collection that grew to thousands of Hot Wheels. He also enjoyed collecting any company advertisement bearing the name HOOD. Tracing ancestral roots through genealogy was another passion.
Jim is survived by his wife Elsie; son George (Kimberly); daughter Tamara (Hood) Stuber (Charles); grandson William Craig Hood (Tanya); grand daughter Traci Hood Arthurs (Brandon); grand daughters Rachel and Ashley Stuber and grandson Brandon Stuber; sister Lenora Hood Evers (Ronald); brother Harry Hood (Sue); sister and brother-in law Mary and Robert Swire as well as nieces nephews, cousins and step-grand children; and godchildren Doug, Debbie and Tim Ross.
Eternal thanks go to Dr. Janice Keyes. Her incredible professional expertise, home visits after hours and on her days off made it possible for Jim to remain in the home during his declining days. Her words of wisdom, advice, sense of humor and encouragement sustained the us.
The family would also like to express their appreciation to the INOVA Home Health nurses, especially Michele Harrison for their professional, compassionate care. Thanks also go to Capital Caring Hospice nurses who made the last days of Jim's life on earth easier..
Sincere thanks for the many, many dear friends and neighbors who checked on Jim's well-being day in and day out, helped with chores and shopping, and just generally supplied emotional support when it was needed the most.
Relatives and friends are invited to Jim's Life Celebration at Money and King Funeral Home, 171 W. Maple Ave., Vienna, VA on Friday, April 15 from 12:30 until the time of funeral services at 1:30 p.m. Interment to follow at National Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, P.O. Drawer 498, Emmitsburg, MD 21727.
He was born September 21, 1938 at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C. to parents Lorena Jones Hood and Irvin G. Hood. He grew up in McLean, Virginia in a home that was laboriously and lovingly built by his parents from a Sears Roebuck kit.
From a very early age, attending Sunday School was expected - no excuses for non-attendance. He had a given number of set chores which ranged from weeding his mother's strawberry patch to assisting with the dressing out of the chickens she raised for sale. About the age of six, he and his cousin delivered newspapers to most of McLean. Each spring, he would use his share of the paper route money to purchase a yearling calf which he would then raise until it would be of a marketable size.
In his elementary school days, spent at Franklin Sherman Elementary, he was known as “Jim Bill.” Later, he attended Fairfax High School. During his teenage years he was actively involved with the MYF at Trinity United Methodist Church and was a member of the Sharon Lodge of the United Order of Demolay where at one point he served as Master Counselor. During high school, he worked part time for Rector's Florist. Upon graduation from high school, he joined the Air Force. His basic training was at Lackland AFB after which he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Upon returning stateside, he was based at Chanute AFB in Iowa. From there to Sioux City, Iowa, then to Minot, North Dakota, and lastly to Bolling AFB in Washington, D.C..
In December 1959, he married his Fairfax High classmate, Elsie Dick. Leaving the Air Force in 1961, he went to work for the CIA where he remained for thirty four years. His work assignments were varied and took him to many parts of the world—Africa, Scandinavia, India, South and Central America as well as many places within the United States.
From 1967 to 1969, he lived in England with wife Elsie and son George and he worked at RAF Croughton. From 1972 to 1974 the family, which then included daughter Tammy, resided in Lancaster, CA where he was stationed at Edwards AFB. From California the family moved to Centreville, Virginia where he was residing at the time of his death.
Jim served the community as a volunteer firefighter holding many positions—anywhere from actively fighting fires to doing administrative work as the secretary/treasurer for both the local volunteer fire department, as well as the county's volunteer fire association He put in many hours fundraising by calling bingo to canvassing the neighborhood for funds to buy new equipment. He took great interest in documenting fire calls, rescue missions, training activities of the Centreville Volunteer Fire Department through his love of photography. Jim was a lifetime member of both McLean VFD and the Centreville VFD.
Jim was an avid collector of MANY things! His greatest passion was collecting die-cast toy cars-a collection that grew to thousands of Hot Wheels. He also enjoyed collecting any company advertisement bearing the name HOOD. Tracing ancestral roots through genealogy was another passion.
Jim is survived by his wife Elsie; son George (Kimberly); daughter Tamara (Hood) Stuber (Charles); grandson William Craig Hood (Tanya); grand daughter Traci Hood Arthurs (Brandon); grand daughters Rachel and Ashley Stuber and grandson Brandon Stuber; sister Lenora Hood Evers (Ronald); brother Harry Hood (Sue); sister and brother-in law Mary and Robert Swire as well as nieces nephews, cousins and step-grand children; and godchildren Doug, Debbie and Tim Ross.
Eternal thanks go to Dr. Janice Keyes. Her incredible professional expertise, home visits after hours and on her days off made it possible for Jim to remain in the home during his declining days. Her words of wisdom, advice, sense of humor and encouragement sustained the us.
The family would also like to express their appreciation to the INOVA Home Health nurses, especially Michele Harrison for their professional, compassionate care. Thanks also go to Capital Caring Hospice nurses who made the last days of Jim's life on earth easier..
Sincere thanks for the many, many dear friends and neighbors who checked on Jim's well-being day in and day out, helped with chores and shopping, and just generally supplied emotional support when it was needed the most.
Relatives and friends are invited to Jim's Life Celebration at Money and King Funeral Home, 171 W. Maple Ave., Vienna, VA on Friday, April 15 from 12:30 until the time of funeral services at 1:30 p.m. Interment to follow at National Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, P.O. Drawer 498, Emmitsburg, MD 21727.
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I met Jim years ago at a toy show. We became friends sharing interest in collecting Hot Wheels. We would run into each other now and then in stores and have long conversations about collecting and helping each other find ones we needed. Jim was a one of a kind guy and he will be missed dearly. Dan Hammond
Jim and Elsie moved to my block in Centreville in 1974. We have been friends ever since. My daughters Mary and Carol were close in age to George and Tammy and often played together. We valued Jim’s friendship so much that I asked him to be a pall-bearer when my husband passed in 2003. We have been good neighbors and good friends for over 40 years. Sue Manning
It’s nice to know Mr. Hood was blessed with long life, but even with all those years I know they weren’t enough for those who held him so dear to their hearts. To his beloved family, I extend my deepest condolences. May the countless memories of him forever put smiles on your faces. In God’s care, Mr. Hood is at peace. John 5:28,29; Psalms 37:29
Jim will be missed sorely by all the communities he touched. He was a wonderful man who was down to earth and helpful. I first met Jim in McLean VFD and then our paths crossed many times and many places. He always had a good word and smile. May he rest in Peace
Janice and I offer our most sincere sympathy and condolences to you and your family. I do recall the collection of family photos he assembled and forwarded several years ago, which was brought back many memories of our times together. And of course, the fire engine he had restored and drove in local parades. I’m glad to see you will have many family members for support at this difficult time. With deepest sympathy, Tim and Janice Hood
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RIP Jim.
Jim and I remember your Jim so fondly…a true and good friend., sorry to read of his passing but grateful for his friendship. Barbara smith