John D. Hooker

John D. Hooker, 77, passed away suddenly on November 17, 2025 at his home. John was a sixth-generation Floridian who grew up on his grandfather’s 160- acre farm in Reddick, Marion County, Florida. His boyhood home was located on a dirt road and had no indoor plumbing. John graduated from North Marion High School in 1965. A passionate student of agriculture, he was elected First Vice President of Future Farmers of America of Florida. He then worked as a Master Barber to pay his college expenses while attending Central Florida Junior College and afterwards at the University of Florida where he obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture Economics. While at the University of Florida, he was active in the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, the College Agriculture Council, the Reitz Union Board of Managers, and Florida Blue Key.   While working as a barber in the Reitz Union, John met and became the personal barber for UF President and former Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court, Stephen C. O'Connell. It was O'Connell who first inspired his interest in studying the law.    After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army Reserve and was Honorably Discharged with the rank of Sergeant. He attended Stetson College of Law, graduating in 1974, and began work as an Assistant State Attorney in the Thirteenth Judicial District, Hillsborough County, Florida. After working for the state for two years, he started a private trial law practice in Tampa and began handling cases throughout the state.   John never forgot his roots growing up in a small, rural town and used his education and leadership abilities to serve others. He built his legal career on the principles that every person, regardless of race, religion, color, creed, or background deserves a fair trial and that justice should be tempered with mercy.   He served his community in various capacities, including leading various Little Leagues, the Jesuit and H.B. Plant High School booster clubs, President of the Greater Brandon Republican Club, UF/IFAS SHARE Council, the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Committee, Worshipful Master of the Masonic Lodge, Hillsborough Lodge No.25, and District Deputy Grand Master of the 22nd Masonic District.    Together with a group of fellow UF alumni, he helped found the Alpha Gamma Rho Education Foundation to establish a fund to help young men in agriculture to afford a college education and he served as a long time treasurer and board member since it was established. Starting with a few assets, it has grown to more than $1 million dollars. Separately, he established a scholarship in memory of his high school agriculture teacher to further help students from Marion County to pursue higher education.    He spent his leisure time boating, fishing, hunting, traveling, and reading. He loved to learn from reading books about history and nature and enjoyed spending time in conversation with old and new friends. While proud of his Florida roots, he held a fascination for the American West and traveled there often to enjoy its vast beauty.     He enjoyed spending time with his family, of whom he spoke about with pride.    He is survived by sons Shawn (Lisa) and John David, and the apple of his eye grandson, Julian; brothers James, Lance (Barbara), and sister Julie Birdyshaw.    Celebration of Life Services will be held at St. John Presbyterian Church on December 4, 2025 at 3:30 to 5:00 pm at 4120 N. MacDill Ave. Tampa, FL 33607. Reception to follow at 5:30 pm at J.C. Newman Cigar Company, 2710 N. 16th St., Tampa, FL 33605. A second Celebration of Life will occur on January 24, 2026 at the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity House at 2257 Museum Road, Gainesville, FL 32612 at 4:00 pm.    In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the scholarship in John's name. Donations may be made via Venmo to @AGRUF or by check payable to "Alpha Gamma Rho Education Foundation at the University of Florida." Please note "John Hooker scholarship" in the memo or comments. Checks may be mailed to: Attn: Steven Hall, President 6762 Circle J Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32312.