Snowmass council member writes memoir of former mayor

Snowmass Town Council member Britta Gustafson recently finished writing a memoir of former mayor Jim Hooker, who passed away last September at 82.

Hooker was a “true founder of our town and community,” wrote Gustafson to The Aspen Times. “The memoir (James Hutchison Hooker) is detailed and his story is fascinating, fun, and inspiring.”

Not yet published, Gustafson’s memoir will be featured in the second edition of “The Story of Snowmass,” an account of Snowmass history, with a release goal of 2027 for Snowmass’ 60th anniversary. The memoir will also be featured on her website, to go online this spring.

James Hutchison Hooker: Sept. 14, 1942-Sept. 24, 2024

By Britta Gustafson

Like many, his story didn’t begin here, and it didn’t end here. But for Jim Hooker, the formative years in Snowmass Village were as pivotal for him as he was instrumental in transforming the town into the community that it is today. Together, they matured and thrived, helping to shape the destiny of one another.

As one of the original trailblazers of the Snowmass resort and community, Jim is not just remembered for his important roles as council member and mayor — his lovable personality made him a local legend. And his vibrant spirit and dedication helped shape the Snowmass community we know and love today.

In June of 1967, Jim and his wife Bianca arrived in Snowmass Village, part of the peripatetic wave of seekers, renegades, dreamers, artists and visionaries drawn to this breathtaking landscape. Jim, alongside his brother Gifford and partner Harry Nickles, opened Cap & Cork Liquors.

Included in the roster of startups with local ties: Snowmass Sports, Snowmass Drugstore, The Tower restaurant, Stein Erickson, The Leather Jug, Phillipe’s, Ciranos, The Stew Pot, Opticon Theater, a photography and poster shop, a beauty salon, the Wooden Nickel Antique shop, the Scandinavian Gift Shop, House of Ireland, The Refractory-at-Snowmass restaurant, Snowmass Book Store, Snowmass Deli and the Cap & Cork.

For Jim, an avid hockey player, the location of the liquor store was the ideal setting. There he fortified connections and friendships with locals, engaged with visitors, and inspired a rich sense of community that would echo beyond his decades as a Village resident. “Right out in front of the liquor store was an ice rink, and we had great broomball tournaments,” Jim said in an article “Their Generation” published in the Aspen Times in April of 2014. “I would just put a note on the shop door that I was on the ice and if they needed anything just ‘Holler for Hooker.'” His invitation initiated the blending of business with community spirit that he became known for.

Jim’s charisma earned him the title of “King of Snowmass” during Snowmass’s Wintersköl Parade in 1968, a playful yet fitting tribute to the role he had taken in shaping the town’s character. Two decades later he would be crowned again, with Bianca, during the Mardi Gras festivities on the Mall. 

Jim was an early volunteer at the Snowmass Wildcat Fire Department. After a couple of years, he joined the District Fire Board and was soon elected chairman. Eventually, he stepped down from the Board after 25 years of service.

When the Ski Company initiated the Skier Services department Jim was chosen as the director and held that title for 11 years. Jim also co-owned the Golden Gate restaurant on the upper level of the Center.  The restaurant was a popular spot, especially among locals, and perhaps offered the backdrop for the beginnings of Jim’s political popularity — a place where ideas were initiated and nurtured. 

Jim’s dedication to community service naturally extended to civic engagement. He served on the town’s first liquor licensing board, served four years on the planning commission and  successfully ran for town council, serving two terms. He ran for mayor in 1992 and served two terms.

Known for his quick wit, sense of humor, and genuine love for the community, Jim made headlines and further sealed himself into local-lore by diffusing tensions during a heated debate over elk migration routes at the proposed Two Creeks development. 

As mayor, Jim was known for being sharp-minded with a knack for humor. His ability to connect with people made him a beloved figure in local politics.

Jim also played a role in bringing music to Snowmass, helping to establish the Jazz Aspen Snowmass festival that has become a cornerstone of the town’s cultural landscape.

Despite challenges and the growing pains of a new Town, Jim’s tenure was marked by a spirit of collaboration and community. He led with an indomitable spirit that put issues into perspective and kept small-town charm at the helm.

Jim Hooker was a true founder of Snowmass Village. His remarkable journey here is his legacy woven into the very fabric of the community he had helped to build. From his early days as a liquor store owner to his impactful years as a public servant, Jim embodied the spirit of collaboration and engagement that defined a generation of pioneers. His laughter, warmth, and unwavering commitment to the community has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him. As Snowmass Village continues to evolve, the foundational work Jim undertook serves as a guiding light, reminding us all of the importance of fostering connections, embracing change, and nurturing the spirit of community. His story may not have started or ended here, but his influence will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come, inspiring others to uphold the values of friendship, service, and dedication that Jim Hooker exemplified throughout his life.  

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Bianca; his daughter, Hilary, and son-in-law, Peter Blatz; his son, Jamie, and daughter-in-law, Cindy Camacho; and his grandchildren, Thomas, Henry, and Bianca. He is also survived by his brother, David, and David’s wife Candace. He was predeceased by his parents, Janet and Philip Hooker, and his brother, Gifford.