John "JW" Hoots, Sr.

John “JW” Hoots, Sr., 78, of Pullman, went to be with his lord and savior on May 30, 2021. He was born in Hickory Ridge, Arkansas on March 5, 1943 to Chester and Noreen (Hoots) Gaskin. He married Mary Reed on March 2, 1968 in Casco Township. They shared 53 years in marriage. John worked as a welder, fabricator, and hobby farmer for forty years. He loved to hunt and fish and would skunk anyone in cribbage. He had a calm southern way about him but was quick with a joke. He was the kind of man it just felt good to be around. He was a member of the Ray of Light Church of God in Pullman. He loved the church and all its members.

He is preceded in death by his parents – Chester and Noreen Gaskins, brother – Richard Gaskins, and sister – Bobbie (John) Bronkhorst.

John is survived by his wife – Pastor Mary Hoots of Pullman; children – John (Jacquie) Hoots, Jr., Charles Hoots, and Norman Hoots; siblings – Charles (Josie) Gaskins, James (Cheryl) Gaskins, Mollie Hoggard, Linda (Bruce) Hoezee, Brenda Tomky, and George (Nancy) Gaskins. Many cousins, nieces, and nephews also survive.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Friday, June 4, 2021 at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home in South Haven. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 3:00 PM with Pastor Bud Bradford officiating at the funeral home. Contributions may be made in John’s memory to the Ray of Light Church of God, 596 56th Street, Pullman, Michigan 49450.