James Ballard Hood's Obituary
Decatur-James Ballard Hood, Jr., 84, of Decatur, passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2014 in his home.
James was born November 24, 1929 in Oak Park, Illinois, the son of James Ballard and Helen Martha (Vogellander) Hood Sr. He graduated in 1947from Austin High School in Chicago. He proudly served his country in the USAF from 1949-1952. He then attended the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana from 1953-1955. He was previously employed with the U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Division from 1956-1988 serving in Champaign, IL and Ithaca, NY District Offices retiring after thirty-seven years of service as Hydrologist Project Chief. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes, American Legion Post #2008, Lt. Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol, life member of the Moose Lodge, and received Presidential Commendation for 5,000 volunteer hours. He married Helen Margaret Gillis June 21, 1952 in Chicago. She preceded him in death February 24, 2008.
James leaves behind his children Sheryl Ann Hood of New Brunswick, NJ, Wayne Gregory Hood and wife Carol of Decatur, Neal Daniel Hood of Ithaca, NY, and Christine “Tina” Marie Hasara and husband Darren of Milford, NJ, and grandchildren Kristen Barr of Decatur, Elizabeth Hood of St. Louis, MO, Mathew Hasara of Milford, NJ, and Kyle Hasara of Milford, NJ.
James was reunited in Heaven with his parents, wife, and brother George Lee Hood.
Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate James’ life will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 3850 Lourdes Drive Decatur, with Rev. Rick Weltin and Rev. Joe Molloy, Celebrants. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the mass at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Civil Air Patrol, Our Lady of Lourdes, or St. Teresa High School.
The family of James Ballard Hood Jr. is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, IL. View the on line obituary, share memories, and send condolences to the family at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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