James Michael Hook, 82, of Newport, Rhode Island, died Friday, August 3, 2018 peacefully at home.
Born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island on July 6, 1936, he was the son of the late James B. Hook and the late Cecelia P. (Kennedy) Hook.
James grew up in New York City and Newport. During the summers, he lived at the carriage house at Chateau-Sur-Mer, where his father worked as the chauffeur for Miss Edith Wetmore. James graduated from Power Memorial Academy in New York City and received his bachelor’s degree in business from Bryant College. He enlisted in the army in 1954. Thereafter, James worked for the United States Department of Labor as a union labor investigator, retiring in 1986.
He always had an ambitious and entrepreneurial spirit; along with his career as a federal investigator, he started a quahog business, prepared individual tax returns and owned a limousine service that shuttled travelers to and from T.F. Green Airport.
After retiring from government service, he became a contractor, building several residential and multi-family homes in Newport and Middletown.
James was a member of Wanumtonomy Golf Club and former member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of St. Mary’s Parish. He was an avid reader and history enthusiast. He also enjoyed playing cards at Wanumtonomy with his friends.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved wife of 27 years, Kathleen A. (Crowley) Hook, with whom he had eight children.
James is survived by his wife, Guiselle (Escalante) Hook and his children and their spouses: James M. Hook of Middletown, RI, Annemarie Hogan of Middletown, RI, Kathleen Hook of Providence, RI, Mary C. (John) Guerrera of Portsmouth, RI, Joseph F. (Kristina) Hook of Portsmouth, RI, Terence J. (Kathleen) Hook of Portsmouth, RI, Teresa R. Hook of Middletown, RI and Dominic A. (Claudia) Hook of Leesburg, Virginia, along with many nieces and nephews.
James is also survived by twenty-three loving grandchildren, with whom he shared his sense of adventure, taking them on annual trips to Misquamicut Beach, the Washington County Fair and the circus. He will be sincerely missed.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, 465 Spring Street, Newport. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at 10:00 am, St. Mary’s Church, Spring Street, Newport. Burial will take place at St. Columba Cemetery, 465 Brown’s Lane in Middletown. In lieu-of-flowers, donations may be made to the Mother of Life Center, 400 Atwells Avenue, Providence, RI 02902.
