James Robert Hooper (July 27, 1936 – January 24, 2008) was an American politician who served on the Maryland Senate from 1999 to 2007.

James Robert Hooper
Member of the Maryland Senate
from the 35th district
In office
January 11, 1999 – December 31, 2007
Preceded byDonald C. Fry
Succeeded byBarry Glassman
Personal details
Born(1936-07-27)July 27, 1936
Baltimore, Maryland
DiedJanuary 24, 2008(2008-01-24) (aged 71)
Street, Maryland
Political partyRepublican
SpouseShirley Hooper

Education edit

Hooper attended Bel Air High School in Bel Air, Maryland.

Career edit

Hooper owned Harford Sanitation Services, which he founded with his father in 1954 and was operated after his death until its sale by his son Bobby Ray Hooper and his daughter, Cindy Hushon. He was a member of the Harford County, Aberdeen and Havre de Grace Chambers of Commerce, as well as the Route 40 Business Association. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Salvation Army of Harford County from 1986 until his death.

Political career edit

Hooper served as a member of the Harford County Council from 1982 until 1990. He was elected to the Maryland Senate in 1998. He was sworn in on January 13, 1999, to represent District 35 in Harford County. The hallmark of his work was constituent service.[citation needed]

Hooper announced on November 14, 2007, that he was resigning his Senate seat due to poor health. The resignation took effect on December 31, 2007.[1] He recommended and was replaced by State Delegate Barry Glassman.[citation needed]

Hooper was lovingly known among the Senate's pages as Senator "High Five" Hooper because he would walk into session every day and run down the line of pages and give them high-fives. He was even known to do this among his fellow senators. Hooper's unique way of saying hello at the beginning of a session put a smile on everyone's faces.[citation needed]

Hooper succumbed to colon cancer on January 24, 2008, at his home in Street, Maryland. He was 71 years old.[2]

Election results edit

  • 2006 Race for Maryland State Senate – 35th District[3]
Voters to choose three:
Name Votes Percent Outcome
J. Robert Hooper, Rep. 35,760   68.0%    Won
Stan Kollar, Dem. 16,803   31.9%    Lost
Write In's, Other 31   0.3%    Lost
  • 2002 Race for Maryland State Senate – 35th District[4]
Voters to choose three:
Name Votes Percent Outcome
J. Robert Hooper, Rep. 42,766   98.13%    Won
Write In's, Other 817   1.87%    Lost
  • 1998 Race for Maryland State Senate – 35th District[5]
Voters to choose three:
Name Votes Percent Outcome
J. Robert Hooper, Rep. 22,741   55%    Won
Donald C. Fry, Dem. 18,370   45%    Lost

References edit

  1. ^ Senator To Resign, Citing Illness, WBAL-TV, November 14, 2007
  2. ^ Former State Sen. Hooper Dies Of Cancer Archived 2011-07-16 at the Wayback Machine, WBAL-TV, January 25, 2008
  3. ^ "2006 State Senate Results". Maryland State Board of Elections.
  4. ^ "2002 State Senate Results". Maryland State Board of Elections.
  5. ^ "1998 State Senate Results". Maryland State Board of Elections.

External links edit