James H. Hoekman: A Life Dedicated to the Industry and His Family
James H. Hoekman was born on April 5th, 1932 in Albany, New York. His parents, John and Alice Hoekman, were both small business owners, and they instilled in James a strong work ethic and a love of learning. His childhood was filled with hard work, as he helped his family run their small-scale vegetable stand and other businesses. He eventually left Albany in order to join the United States Marine Corps in 1954. During his service, James had the opportunity to travel around the world and see different cultures.
After his discharge from active duty in 1956, he pursued a degree in business management from Union College in Schenectady, New York, which he completed in 1960. Following his college graduation, he entered the business industry in earnest and began a decades-long career with International Business Machines (IBM). At IBM, James held various positions, from sales to production, and from manager to executive. During his tenure at IBM, James was recognized as an exemplary leader within the organization.
By 1965, James had successfully managed and sold his family business and began to build his own empire. By 1970, he had established many highly successful companies, including First National Capital, PCA Industries, and Universal Tooling. Throughout the 1970s, James continued to expand his business portfolio and in 1980, he became the majority shareholder of IBM’s IBM-PC, which helped IBM become the leading PC manufacturer. In addition to his business saavy, James was also a generous philanthropist, especially to organizations that helped the military, its veterans, and their families.
Throughout his career, James was focused on providing his family with the best possible life, having successfully raised four children with his beloved wife, Mary. In 2014, after a long, full life, James passed away. His legacy lives on, through his family and through his immense impact on the business and philanthropic community.
James H. Hoekman will always be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family and to building a successful business. He was an effective leader and a generous benefactor, who saw limitless potential in any opportunity. He was an innovator and a visionary. Most of all, he was a good man who made the world a better place. He is survived by his family, friends and colleagues, who continue to be inspired by his greatness.
