Somerset - James R. Hood, age 77, of Somerset, Kentucky, passed from this life on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at the Jean Waddle Care Center.

James was born on February 17, 1949 to the late Charles Hood and Maxine Phillippi Hood in Somerset, Kentucky.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a Vietnam Veteran. He attended Eagle Heights Church. He enjoyed gardening, talking with people, fishing, helping others, and he loved his dog, "Koda Jo".

Along with his parents, James was preceded in death by his brother, John Orville Hood, sisters, Charlene Hornback, Patricia "Trish" Wilson, and brother-in-law, Delbert Pitman.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 42 years, Brenda Hood, sons: James Ryan Hood (Brooke) of Lexington, Ky and Bryan Joseph Hood of Somerset; daughters: Tara Nicole Stigall (Phillip) of Somerset and Kristan Brooke Bennerman (Christian) of Nashville, TN; brothers: Gary Hood (Brenda) of Eubank, KY and Marcus Hood of Somerset; sisters: Sandra McCalister (Ronnie) and Becki Lowery (Eugene); Glenda Kay Pitman all of Somerset; grandchildren: Allie Hood, Marissa Nicholas, Gavyn Hood, Addison Stiles, Avery Stiles; Kelsey Vanhook, Sydney Perkins, Whitney Litton and Jared "Andy" Vanhook; along with a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026 from 11am to 1pm in the Chapel of the Southern Oaks Funeral Home with a funeral service to begin at 1pm with Bro. David Bullock.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the James R. Hood Memorial Fund.

Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for James R. Hood.