James "Jim" Hooper

James “Jim” Hooper
August 10, 1967 – March 21, 2026

James “Jim” Hooper passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, after a short battle with cancer.

Born on August 10, 1967, in Nashville, Jim was one of the “unicorns” spending his 58 years as a born and raised Nashvillian.  He touched the lives of many and with having the amazing gift of never meeting a stranger, he would know someone everywhere he went.  He enjoyed getting involved in the community especially as an active member of St Stephen Catholic Community.  Jim loved to travel and explore new places, most recently becoming enamored and having the opportunity to travel with his wife to Europe and enjoying the beauty, history and cultures of different countries.

Of all the things Jim enjoyed, the two he was most passionate about were his family and his Notre Dame Fighting Irish. As an avid sports fan, Jim enjoyed cheering on the Irish and the countdown to the college football season would start as soon as the previous season ended.  Above all, Jim’s family came first.  He was an amazing husband and father, and his love and dedication extended to the relationships with his extended family.

Jim’s legacy will live on through the relationships he built, values he instilled and memories he created in our hearts.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Wesley “Sonny” Hooper.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Laura; son, Ian; mother, Linda Kerr; brother Jeff Hooper (Sara); nieces/nephews, Kaylan Hooper, Zane Hooper, Evan MacLaughlin, Grace MacLaughlin; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins.

Visitation with the Hooper family will be held at St. Stephen Catholic Community, located at 14544 Lebanon Rd, Old Hickory TN 37138 on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm, then again on Friday, March 27th, from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will follow at 2:00pm, all at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the University of Notre Dame. Please direct your gift to the Rockne Athletics Fund for Football in memory of Jim Hooper. Gifts may be made online at giving.nd.edu/HooperMemorial, by phone at 574-631-5150, or by mail: University of Notre Dame, Department of Development, 1100 Grace Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556.

Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, Nashville, TN (615) 857-9955. We proudly remain locally owned & operated.