James Alex Hooks passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, December 28, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 24, 1939 to George Wesley Hooks and Chrissie Goins Hooks of Whiteville, NC.

He is survived by his wife Susan Andrews Hooks; son James Wesley Hooks and wife Amanda of Lumberton, NC, granddaughters Lindsay Hooks of Ocean Isle Beach, NC, Lauren Hooks of Lumberton, NC; daughter Heather Halford and husband Dr. Jonathan Halford of Mount Pleasant, SC, grandson Benjamin Halford of Charleston, SC and granddaughter Charlotte Halford of Charlottesville, VA; sisters Georgia Grey Shurr and husband Edward Smith of Greenville, NC, niece Emily Shurr of San Francisco, CA, Donnis Krueck and husband Jeff Krueck of Greensboro, NC, Alexis Jane Prease of Whiteville, NC; aunt Maxine Jordan of Clarkton, NC.

He was preceded in death by a brother George Wesley Hooks Jr., father George Wesley Hooks, and mother Chrissie Goins White.

After graduating from Whiteville High school James attended Chowan College, graduated from Pembroke State University and earned a Master's degree from Clemson University. He enjoyed teaching science and coaching athletics in Hillsville, VA and St. Pauls, NC high schools.

In 1968 he became director of the new Robeson County Planetarium and later the additional Science Center where he loved teaching others about the night sky for 33 years. He was Instrumental in establishing the Southeastern Planetarium Association where he served as president and later was elected president of the International Planetarium Society. He also taught astronomy at The University of NC at Pembroke and science courses at Southeastern Community College.

He was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church in Lumberton, NC where he served as a deacon, elder, taught Sunday school and served on many committees. He went on many national and international mission trips and supported the Boy Scouts of America.

He was an avid seaman who enjoyed boating adventures with family and friends from Virginia to Louisiana.

The family will receive friends and family from 4:00-6:00 PM on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at the home.

There will be a graveside service at Western Prong Baptist Church, 167 Peacock Road, Whiteville, NC at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 1002 N. Chestnut Street Lumberton, NC at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church Lumberton/ Endowment Trust.