James Snyder Hocker, 82, of Estes Park, CO died at United Hospital Blue Earth, MN on July 27, 2010 after a battle with cancer. He had a zest for living that was unmatched. He was born in PA and grew up in FL. Jim and Nancy Rutemiller were married Sept. 17, 1951 in Coconut Grove, FL. Jim loved the law and the military. He had an incredible career as an Air Force JAG. Upon retiring at age 47, the family moved to Estes Park, CO. Jim was one of the founders of Crossroads Ministry. He and Nan were very involved in the early days of hospice.
Family was very important to Jim both his ancestors and his descendents. When his children were young, the family frequently traveled in a camper, enjoying fishing and biking. In his later years, Jim traced his ancestors to their roots along the Rhine River of Europe, both in France and Germany. Each of his grandchildren will be getting a copy of the family history book he has created.
Jim was a self-described “river rat”. He has cruised most of the major rivers on five continents. The Delta Queen was his favorite riverboat and more often than not, he sat at the Captain’s table. It was on the Yangtze River that he met Johanna, in 2001. They were brought together by God to be a ministry team, marrying three months after they met. They continued traveling the globe on “assignment”. Jim’s most recent ministry was calling America to repentance, through the use of a bumper sticker, which he created – (contact Johanna for a supply).
Jim was a member of Rotary International, Estes Park Gun & Archery Club, Inc., Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation, Sons of Norway, The American Legion, Dunn County Historical Society (WI), Kiwanis International and a volunteer for Interfaith Caregivers of Faribault County (MN). Throughout his life, Jim was active in the Boy Scouts, in childhood, then as an assistant scout master and Assistant Council Executive while stationed at HQ US Air Forces in Europe.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Nancy, his parents and his brother-in-law Otis. He is survived by his four children: Sharon, Jim, Jr., Tina and Heidi, his second wife Johanna, his sister Eleanor and her daughter “Cookie,” five grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
A Celebration of his life and faith will be held at River of Life Church (1329 S. Ramsey St., Blue Earth, MN), Sunday, Aug. 1st, at 1:30 p.m. There will be additional memorial services at the Seed of Abraham in St. Louis Park, MN during their usual service at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 31 and at Restoration Fellowship in Boulder CO at a date yet to be determined.
Memorials may be made out to Crossroads (Estes Park, CO) or Interfaith Caregivers (Blue Earth, MN). See www.spencerowen.com where web tributes may be left.
