Some of you may know it’s been a challenging 2 months due to my father’s sudden diagnosis at the end of January with a very aggressive brain tumor (Glioblastoma Multiform). After an extremely courageous and determined battle, Dr. James L. Hooper, my Dad, is now at peace.  

Dad was an integral part of Windy City Watch Collector. From 2003 to 2011, when my wife and I were overseas, he handled all U.S. orders for us and loved his daily trips to the post office. He was always interested in what I was buying or selling, who was ordering what and was a big fan of the Marathon watches and atomic clocks.  In fact, he wore his Marathon general purpose watch with date and used an atomic clock and Marathon marine chronometer through this year.

Dad was a veteran of the Korean War, where he earned several medals, including the National Defense Service Medal, UN Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Parachute Badge and Combat Infantry Badge.  After enlisting in the Army in August 1951, he volunteered for duty in Korea with the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team, “The Rakkasans”.  The nickname “Rakkasans” is derived from the Japanese word for parachute (literally “umbrella for falling”).

He later earned his Medical Degree from the University of Maryland and served as Captain in the US Army.    

Here is a link the Baltimore Sun’s announcement:

James L. Hooper, M.D.