Dr. James G. Hood, age 72, passed away peacefully on July 12 in his Spokane Valley home in the presence of his wife Karen and several of his children. He was born on Nov. 27, 1951 in Estherville, Iowa, to Hazel and Jerry Hood. He was one of 11 children.
Jim Hood married Karen Jean Matsko Hood on Aug. 2, 1975, in Great Falls, Montana, and they shared 49 years together. He began his career teaching in the Virgin Islands before entering dental school. He became a well-regarded dentist and served patients in the Spokane Valley for 37 years.
In addition to his professional life, he enjoyed raising his 16 children in the country side and also joined the local choir. He was known for his quick-witted humor, strong work ethic, and resilience in the face of several auto-immune diseases including Pemphigus Vulgaris, Sjogrens and Inclusion Body Myositis. He succumbed to the ravages of Inclusion Body Myositis after a 17-year battle with the disease.
He is survived by his spouse: Karen, his 16 children: Brianne (Moulik), Marissa (Kevin), Janelle (Paul), Mikayla, Kyler, Kelsey (Andrea), Corbin, Caleb (Kristine), Keisha (Ronai), Devontay, Kianna, Rosy, Mercedes, Cheyenne, Jasmine, Anna; and 12 grandchildren: Nola, Zoey, Meera, Greta, Addy, Om, Malaika, Amir, Liam, Kalia, Elyas, and Chloe who will remember him for his unending dedication to raising his family.
