John "Bubba" Hoover Jr.

John “Bubba” Hoover, Jr. passed away peacefully in his home in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, with his family by his side, on April 4, 2023. Born on June 24, 1943, John truly embraced the statement “live life to the fullest.” After graduating from Ponchatoula High School, he enlisted in the United States Airforce, where he served four years as a flight engineer. Upon honorable discharge, John graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University and began his career as a teacher. He taught at Kentwood High School and Ponchatoula High School and later finished his teaching career as a college math instructor at Southeastern Louisiana University. The impact he made on students was immeasurable. His passion for teaching was evident and he would often say he “never took a sick day” because of his love for being in the classroom. In between his teaching years, John was an entrepreneur and scuba diving instructor. He opened his first dive shop, “Bubba’s Dive Shop” which grew into “Gulf South Diving Academy” where he began teaching scuba diving through the Continuing Education program at Southeastern Louisiana University. He also served as a scuba diver on the search and rescue team and was one of the first on scene for the Manchac Bridge Collapse in 1976. After retiring from Southeastern Louisiana University, John began his last career as a contractor and builder, developing a subdivision in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. John lived a full life, but his greatest accomplishment was his family. He was a devoted husband to the love of his life of 42 years and a wonderful father to his children. He was immensely proud of his children’s accomplishments and took every opportunity he had to share that with others. John was a passionate historian, who spent lots of time uncovering artifacts throughout Louisiana. He built a collection of various Indian artifacts, bottles, coins, and other items, which he proudly displayed in his home and enjoyed sharing with his family. He was known for his infectious laugh that would light up any room. He was a happy person who lived fearlessly, loved with his entire heart, and found the positives in all situations. He touched many lives throughout his life and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. John is survived by his wife, Pamela Alvaro Hoover; son, John V. Hoover, III (Tammy); daughter, Kayla Jane Hoover (Fiancé: Lawrence Castillo); and granddaughter Emily Hoover. He is also survived by his sister Patricia Charbonnet and his four-legged companion Hoss Hoover. John is preceded in death by his parents John V. Hoover, Sr and Edith Hoover and daughter Carolyn Hoover. The family would like to personally thank the North Oaks Hospice team for showing such kindness and allowing him to be comfortably at home with his family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to North Oaks Hospice (PO Box 2668 Hammond, LA 70404) or his favorite charity, the Louisiana SPCA. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation at Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, 1190 Hwy 51 N. Ponchatoula, LA 70454 on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until the memorial service at 12:00 p.m.

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John "Bubba" Hoover Jr.

June 24, 1943 - April 4, 2023