James I. Hocker

James I. Hocker, 87, of Moberly, passed away on Friday, May 12, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family. Jim was born February 5, 1930 in Cass County, Missouri, the son of the late Edwin and Vivian (Malone) Hocker. On October 13, 1950, he married Roberta Jean Chism and were married 41 years before she preceded him in death. He later married Letha (Gravitt) Farris on May 28,1997, she preceded him in death in 2012. Jim served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He formerly worked for the Moberly Police Department where he served as a Captain, Orscheln Farm and Home of Moberly, and later as a locksmith for the Prison where he retired in 1994. Jim was baseball fan, he enjoyed the Cardinals, not the cubs. He collected John Deere items, liked sitting on the porch and watching birds, and loved going to Amish country. His family remembers the many trips that he took them on vacations, and thankful that he always brought them back home as well. He was a member of the two cycle engine club, former Higbee Alderman, and a former Boy Scout leader. In addition to his parents and his wives: Jean Hocker and Letha Hocker, Jim was preceded in death by his son, Gerald Hocker; step son, Jerry Duncan; and sister, Marge Longbaugh. Jim is survived by his children: Tom Hocker and wife Karen of Moberly, Missouri; Rebecca Jean Hocker and Rhonda Hocker both of Moberly, Missouri; brother, John Hocker and wife Kathleen of Shelby, North Carolina; sister, Shirley Day and husband Richard of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; adopted by heart children: Jason Nickerson and wife Debbie, and Alisa Nickerson; 6 grandchildren; 4 step grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held on Monday, May 15, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Million Taylor Funeral Homes of MOBERLY. Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the Million Taylor Funeral Homes of HIGBEE with Eric Chism officiating. Burial will follow at Higbee City Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Boy Scouts of America. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James I. Hocker please visit our Sympathy Store.