James "Jim" L. Hockett, Sr. age 76, of Newberry, died Saturday, March 4, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his family. Born May 21, 1946 in Greensboro, NC, he is a son of the late Paul B. Hockett, Sr. and Mary Waters Hockett. He was married to Lynn Porter Hockett.

Jim served for seven years in the Army National Guard, and was proud of his service. He was a hard worker who accomplished any task he set his mind to. Later in life, he completed his Batchelor's Degree in Social Work at Limestone College, an achievement of which he was very proud. As a social worker at Whitten Center and later, the Newberry County Disability and Special Needs agency, he helped countless people receive the assistance they needed. Despite his commitment to his work, Jim was even more proud of retiring early to take on caring for his grandchildren Jameson and Karalie in his favorite job title of all – "Pop".

He was a longtime member of Central United Methodist Church where he proudly served as an Usher for many years.

Jim was a person who loved life and found joy in many things – including fishing, playing golf, cutting the grass on his riding mower, and watching Clemson football and Chicago Cubs baseball. His favorite pastime, however, was spending time on the beach, especially Isle of Palms, where he and wife Lynn made several annual trips. Above all, he loved his family. Pop is dearly loved and will be deeply missed.

In addition to his wife of 44 years, Lynn, he is survived by his sons, Justin Hockett (Jennifer) of Prosperity, SC, Branson Hockett (Leah) of Mount Pleasant, SC, James "Jay" Hockett, Jr. (Starr) of Colorado, and Troy Hockett of Silverstreet, SC; a sister, Mary Nell Riddle (Garry) of Newberry, SC; a brother, Paul B. Hockett, Jr. of Bosier City, LA; brother and sister-in-laws, Jan and Gene Stokes, Jim and Cyrena Porter, and Jay and Donna Porter; 8 grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Mary Carolyn "Inky" Hockett.

Services will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, 3:00 PM, at Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry by Rev. Joe Long. The family will receive friends at the funeral home, prior to the service from 2:00-2:45PM. Interment will follow in Newberry Memorial Gardens.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Gene Stokes, David Porter, Rufus Berry, Ben Chapman, David Dorroh, and Paul Riddle.

The family wishes to express special thanks to all of the staff of Newberry County Memorial Hospital, Newberry Internal Medicine, and Amedisys Home Care and Hospice, for the excellent and compassionate care given to Jim.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family here on Jim's Tribute Wall..

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to assist the Hockett family.