James Arlen Hooten

James Arlen Hooten passed away peacefully on March 20, 2025, at the family ranch in Kempner, Texas, surrounded by family. He was born on March 23, 1943, at home on the ranch, to Albert and Gracey Hooten.

Services will be at 10:00 AM, Saturday, March 29, 2025, at First Street Church of Christ, 201 W. First Street, Lampasas, Texas 76550. Burial will follow at Kempner Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be at 9:00 AM, prior to the funeral service, at First Street Church of Christ. Rocky Moncus will be officiating the service and pallbearers will be Scott Cox, Stuart Cox, Mac Maciel, Dave McNeill, Jamie Murphy, and Mark Werner.

James was a proud graduate of Copperas Cove High School, Class of 1961. He continued his education with a year of college studying biology and also served his country honorably in the United States Army National Guard as a Private E-2. He and Janette were married in September 1965 and were blessed with 58 years together in the Copperas Cove area where he provided for his family working as a carpenter for over 40 years.

Those who knew James remember him as a good-natured and kind man, that enjoyed gathering with friends for coffee, watching Baylor Bears athletics with Janette, and sharing stories and tall tales. James cherished his family, finding joy in the moments spent together, particularly during Spring Break when all his grandchildren visited at the same time.

He also enjoyed traveling to interesting sites throughout Texas and in retirement he and Janette enjoyed going on cruises and traveling to Branson, MO with his sister Helen and her husband Joe.

Faith was a cornerstone of his life. James was a member of the Copperas Cove Church of Christ for over sixty-five years where he served as a deacon and was a bible class teacher. His commitment to raising his children in the Lord was a testament to his values. Most recently he and his wife were dedicated members of the First Street Church of Christ in Lampasas, Texas.

In addition to being an avid outdoorsman that enjoyed hunting, fishing, and birding, James was also a talented wildlife artist and taxidermist. After retirement, James pursued the new hobby of beekeeping and proudly shared the honey his hives produced with friends and family. A passionate reader, he had a considerable library and especially enjoyed James Patterson novels. His beloved dog, known affectionately as White Dog, was a faithful companion, often accompanying him around their property.

James is survived by his son, Russell Hooten (Charlene); his grandchildren, Ashley Graham (Joseph) and Grace Hooten. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Greg Deakin; his grandchildren, Cassandra Anderson (Tyler) and RJ Deakin. His brother-in-law, Joe Cox; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family.

James was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 58 years, Janette Hooten; his cherished daughter, Paula Deakin; his father, Albert Hooten; his mother, Gracey Hooten; and his sisters, Pearl Chason (Gary) and Helen Cox.

While James Hooten will be remembered for his love of the outdoors and a good cup of coffee, he will be best remembered for his role as a loving husband, dad, grandpa, brother, and friend. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and he leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and dedication to family that will endure in the hearts of those he cherished.

The family expresses thanks to his church family at the First Street Church of Christ in Lampasas, New Century Hospice, (Angelica) and the Lil-Tex Restaurant staff for always taking good care of dad and mom throughout the years but especially these past few months when they watched out for him after mom passed.

James and Janette contributed to the Cherokee Home for Children for many years. For those who desire, memorial contributions can be made to the Cherokee Home for Children, PO Box 295, Cherokee, Texas 76832 or online at www.chc4kids.org.