James N Hood

"He Got His Ticket" 

James N. Hood, born on February 20, 1929, to Reverend Will and Carrie Scott Hood in Greensboro, Alabama, was a man of strong will and resilient spirit. He had eight siblings who preceded him in death: brothers Ralph (Jeanette Hood), Willie (Susie Mae Carter-Hood), Lorenzo (Sadie Hood), Calep "Tub" (Annie Mae Jackson-Hood), George "Bobby" (Ollie Hood), and sisters Nellie Hood Gray (Alfonzo), Reola Searcy (Willie), and Mahalia Arthur. 

James accepted Christ at a young age and served as an usher at New Light Baptist Church under Pastor V.J. Weathersby. 

He was a dedicated and hard worker. His journey began as a coal mine worker, where he, being the youngest and fastest, was given the job of lighting dynamite and running for cover. Later, he worked for the Pepsi-Cola Company delivering soda and ultimately retired from the Ford Motor Company. 

As a child, James rode a horse to school for transportation-a glimpse into the humble, hardworking roots from which he came. 

James found his greatest joy in the company of his family. If you ever wanted to see him smile, just bring up his favorite niece, Carrie Morrow. They spoke every single day, often sharing laughs and updates about their children conversations that were legendary. 

He also enjoyed dancing and celebrating with family and friends. He was famously known as the Bo Hog King on the dance floor, smooth and full of rhythm. 

He loved to travel and, in his younger years, bowled on several teams, enjoying the competition and camaraderie. 

In the early 1950s, James married Johnny Mae Callaway, and together they had four children: Dennis (deceased), Michael (deceased), Debra, and Patrick (deceased). In the mid-1960s, he married Edith L. Terrell and had three more children: Derrick (deceased), Norries, and James Jr.

James was known for his tough demeanor. Some called him mean, but beneath that rough shell was a man you could always count on. Affectionately known as Pop or Daddy, he was a jack of all trades-a self-taught electrician, plumber, and construction worker. When something broke, he didn't call anyone-he fixed it himself. If a pipe busted underground, he'd bust up the concrete and fix it no matter how long it took. Now, it might not have passed the inspection code-but it worked. And it lasted. 

He was a swift, active man who lived life fully until his health began to decline in his later years. 

On May 28, 2025, at 96 years old-well past three score and ten-James took his final breath and entered into the eternal rest promised to all believers. One of his favorite sayings was, "Do you got your ticket?" Well, now, Pop got his ticket and has boarded the train to Glory. 

As Matthew 25:23 declares: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." 

James leaves to mourn: his children, Debra Hood, Norries (LaNee) Hood, and James Jr. (Annette) Hood; grandchildren Tiesha, Norries Jr., Tiana, Brandon, Brittany; great-grandchildren Janasia (deceased), J.J., Diamond, Ethan, Roman, Reyna, Gaven, and Gabriella; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved him dearly. 

Special thanks to his granddaughter Starlena Hood-Frizzel, who cared for her Grandaddy during the final five years of his life. Star, well done. 

Also, a heartfelt thank-you to his great-niece and homegirl Stacy, whose wit and care always kept Pops on his toes. Thank you, Stacy, for your one-of-a-kind love. 

And to Ms. Christine Balford, his best friend and longtime companion thank you for being there for him, for keeping him grounded, and for walking beside him with grace. 

James Norris Hood will be deeply missed by all who knew him. But we rejoice knowing that he got his ticket. Now take your rest, Pop. We'll see you in the morning.

A public viewing will be held on June 5, 2025, from 3:00PM to 5:00PM at the House Of Peace Funeral Home, 4105 East 71st Street, Cleveland, OH.  The Celebration of Life Service will be held on June 6, 2025, at 10:00AM Wake and 10:30AM Service at Second Mt Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 757 Eddy Rd, Cleveland, OH.

We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on James' tribute wall.