Mr. James Allen Hoffman's Obituary
James Allen Hoffman, 84 of Frederick passed away on July 15, 2023, after a valiant battle with cancer and dementia. Born in Thurmont Maryland April 17, 1939, in the family homestead located at 33 Frederick Road, he was the son of Earl “Si” Hoffman and Ethel Lewis Hoffman.
Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joyce Hoffman, daughter Joanna Eileen Barton (husband, Christian), and son Matthew Allen Hoffman; grandchildren, Jordan Eileen Barton and Jacob Weller Barton; sisters Claudia Carnes and Sue Ferguson. Jim will be missed by his beloved nephew and nieces, cousins, and friends.
A graduate of Thurmont High School class of 1957, Jim was a gifted athlete. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was selected to play on the elite PACAF Air Force military basketball and baseball teams, traveling over several continents during active duty. Upon discharge, he attended Hagerstown Junior College on an athletic scholarship playing basketball and baseball. Jim completed his degree at Appalachian State University on an athletic scholarship playing basketball. Jim taught Biology for 25 years at Linganore High School in New Market, Maryland in the same room. Jim assisted at Linganore in coaching basketball, baseball, and football as well as being the coach of the original golf team.
After retirement in 1994, he became a driver’s education teacher with Frederick Community College. Jim was a devoted father and grandfather, attending every event. Watching and playing sports was a lifelong passion. Jim played basketball, baseball, golf, and volleyball. Jim was an active player in the Senior Recreation Counsel of Frederick until age 81. Jim enjoyed years of volunteering and meeting all the artists at The Weinberg Center for the Arts, becoming Volunteer of the Year in 1994. Jim served on Board of Directors at the Thurmont Historical Society.
As a teacher, you will never realize your effect on students’ lives. Before and after retirement Jim was constantly recognized and appreciated by former students with a voice calling out “Mr. Hoffman, Mr. Hoffman” at the most bizarre and far-reaching places, followed by testimony of his positive effect on their lives as their favorite teacher. Jim was a kind and gentle person who always lived by the golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
A celebration of life will be held Thursday, September 7, 2023, at 5:30 PM with a service at 6 PM at Resthaven Funeral Home and Community Center, 9501 B Catoctin Mountain Highway, Frederick, Maryland 21701. Interment will be private. In appreciation of their wonderful care and in lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of Frederick County, mailing address: Frederick Health Hospice, 1 Frederick Health Way, Frederick MD 21701; or at www.frederickhealthhospice.org/tribute-mem-honor-/
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