James Allen Hokett

James Allen Hokett, 76 passed away on March 6, 2023, In Lubbock, Texas. Please take a moment and share a kind thought or memory with the Hokett family at www.andersonbethany.com Services: There will be a service in his honor at Grace Community Church, on Saturday, March 25, at 11 AM. Jimmy was born on August 17, 1946, to Johnnie and Hallie Sewell Hokett in Hobart, Oklahoma. He grew up and attended school in Artesia, NM graduating in 1964. He worked with his dad at their gas station from the time he was seven until he graduated from high school. Jimmy joined the Air Force in November 1964 and served for twenty years. He served two terms in Vietnam first at Pleiku and then at Tuy Hoa. He was stationed at nine different bases, during his enlistment, retiring in November of 1984, from Holloman Air Force Base. During his time of service, he was awarded several medals: He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, The Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, and a Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. He also received a Noncommissioned Officer Professional Military Education Ribbon, with One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, An Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with Four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. A National Defense Service Medal, an Air Force Overseas Service Long Tour Ribbon, a Vietnam Service Medal with One Silver Service Star, an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with One Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, and The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Jimmy also worked in Aerospace Photography, Contract Administration, and Procurement Supervisor during that time, and was understandably proud of all he accomplished. He was first married to Laura, the mother of his daughter, Ann, and Son, James. Following Laura’s death, he married Cat Brysch and helped to raise her son, Eric. Cat passed away last June from a degenerative brain disease; Jimmy was her caregiver for over six years. After leaving the military, he retired after twenty years as the purchasing agent of Bexar County, San Antonio, Texas. He and Cat then moved to Magdalena, NM, where Cat was a well-known weaver and Jimmy was a master of metal and wood craftsman. They spent many years traveling to craft shows selling Cats’ weavings and the many fine products that he designed and built. Following Cat’s death, Jimmy contacted Paulette Hegwer Palma who had lived across the street, been a childhood friend, grew up in the same church, and graduated from high school at the same time. He contacted her in late August, began dating on September fifth, and married his best friend and love of his life on September 19, they had six of the happiest months of their lives. They had plans to do so many things and enjoy many more years together. Unfortunately, Jimmy had a terrible fall, causing severe brain damage and ultimately his death on March 6, 2023. Jimmy is survived by his children: Ann, James, and wife Digna, and Eric Brysch. He is also survived by Paulette’s sons and their wives: Dean and April Palma, Danny and Elaine Palma, and Cris and Susan Palma, plus eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Jimmy was a wonderful man, as this tribute shows. We know that he’s living in heaven now and will be missed by all his dear friends and family. James’ tribute was written in his honor by his loving wife.

James Allen Hokett

August 17, 1946 - March 6, 2023