James 'Jim' Hobbs

Jim retired as a Captain in the US Navy after 25 years on active duty.

Jim was born in Ellicott City, Maryland. He attended the University of Maryland at College Park and received a BS degree in Business. Two days after graduation he entered active duty in the Navy during the Korean War. After completing Officer Candidate School, he was assigned to Beach Jumper Unit One in Coronado, CA. He later completed BUD/S training with Class 16 and was assigned to Underwater Demolition Team Twelve as a Platoon Commander. He spent several tours of duty in Japan and Korea with UDT and the Military Sealift Command. 

Jim met his wife, the former Teruko Otani, in Manhattan while stationed at the Brooklyn Army Terminal. They were married in Baltimore, Maryland in 1967. He served as Executive Officer, Military Sealift Command Office Vietnam in Saigon in 1968/69 at the height of the Viet Nam War, and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat V. After returning, Jim and Teruko were stationed in San Diego, Omaha and New Orleans. He retired in 1978 while serving on the Staffs of Commander Third Fleet and the Chief of Naval Reserve. After retiring, Jim managed regional shopping malls in New Orleans, Los Angeles and San Diego.

Jim and Teruko were schnauzer lovers and over the years had nine schnauzer companions. He was a 67-year member of Patmos Lodge No 70, AF&AM, a 32° Scottish Rite Mason, a member of the UDT-SEAL Association, the UDT-SEAL Museum Association, the Military Officers Association of America, the U.S. Navy Beach Jumper Association, and the University of Maryland Alumni Association.

Jim was predeceased by his wife Teruko. He died after a diagnosis of terminal lung cancer.

Jim’s body has been cremated and his ashes will be interred at Miramar National Cemetery with Teruko’s in a private double internment. In lieu of flowers, any donations should be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The service will be held on March 16, 2021, limited attendance due to Covid-19.