James F. Hood, known to everyone as Jim, passed away at The House at Midland Care in Topeka on April 28, 2025. He was born July 13, 1941, in Baraboo, WI, the son of Charles M. and Pauline B. Hood.
Jim did life his way. Never mind the rules or reading the directions. His greatest gifts were his sense of humor, his quick wit, and his reflexive ability to give almost anyone a hard time, at any time. (In Jim’s last weeks, a hospital nurse asked him if he needed anything. “Roller skates” was his answer.) He enjoyed travel by car, air, cruise ship, and camping in his RVs. He was a consummate host, and a dapper dresser. He loved the sunshine and ocean in San Diego, and the beauty of the mountains in Colorado. More than anything, he loved—and absolutely doted on—his wife Kathy.
Jim enjoyed many creative pursuits and was known for his impeccable style. He could make any room or table setting look perfect. He thrived on change and liked to stay in motion. He said he lived in 21 houses before he was 18, and he continued to passionately pursue moving as a favorite hobby.
He had countless jobs through his life. Jim was an Army MP, a magazine publisher, department store head of staffing, PR executive, hospital administrator, an Arthur Murray Dance Instructor, and once worked directly for Ladybird Johnson, entertaining her guests after she retired for the evening. These stories may have been exaggerated slightly, but we don’t think so.
Perhaps most rewarding and meaningful to Jim, however, was the job that capped his working years. For over seven years (a long time for him), he assisted in a Family Service and Guidance Center program, visiting children in their classrooms as part of an abuse prevention program. Yes, kids all over Topeka—Jim was Happy Bear.
Jim is survived by his wife Kathy of 37 years; their son Cooper Olson and his partner Tracie Mochizuki, of Los Angeles, CA; a brother Chuck and wife Judy, of Tulsa, OK; three nieces and a nephew.
Cremation has taken place, and at his request, Jim’s life will be celebrated at a future “happy” event. Memorial gifts in Jim’s memory can be made to The House at Midland Care, 120 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.
