of Conway, AR
January 24, 1929 - September 25, 2017
John Patrick Hoffman of Conway, age 88, passed away September 25, 2017. John was born January 24, 1929 in Hillburn, New York to the late Harry and Nora (Smythe) Hoffman.
He graduated from Suffern High School in 1947 and Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky in 1951. He served honorably in the United States Navy for four years and was a veteran of the Korean War. He was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia on the USS Block Island. He played on the Norfolk Naval Football team where he met his wife Ama Jean Williams. He received a Master of Science degree from the University of Arkansas in 1968. He taught and coached in Suffern, NY, Bigelow, AR, and Perryville, AR. He was principal of St. Joseph's Schools in 1990. He spent 43 years teaching and touching the lives of students.
John was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he served as an usher for many years. In addition, he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus for many years. He was a member of the American Legion and the Disabled Veterans Organizations.
Preceding him in death are his parents and two brothers, James and Harry.
Survivors include his wife Ama Jean of 64 years: son, John and wife Debbie of Los Altos, California; daughters, Lisa Adams and husband Doug of Suffern, New York and Susan Lawrence of Conway, Arkansas. Surviving grandchildren are Ryan and Julia Lawrence of Conway; Abby Adams of Suffern, New York; and Laurel and Brigitte Hoffman of Los Altos, California.
A visitation/rosary will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 7:00PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Conway. A funeral mass will be said at 10:00AM, Friday September 29, 2017 at the church with Father Tony Robbins as Celebrant. Entombment will follow in the St. Joseph Mausoleum under the direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Conway.
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35 Condolence(s)
James Duffy
Thursday, March 21, 2019
To The Hoffman Family,
My wife and I were born and raised in Hillburn,NY and knew the Hoffman family well. "Coach" Hoffman left a huge void at Suffern High when he left, a void which has never been filled. We speak of him often, out of respect and admiration. We are better for having known him, for having been coached by him and for receiving endless support and encouragement. He left us all better people for the experience. We just learned of his passing and didn't want it to go unnoticed by "the old guard".
Respectfully,
Jamie and Penny Duffy
DW
Friday, September 29, 2017
So sorry for your loss may you find peace and comfort in the words spoken at 2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4" ( 3) Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, (4 ) who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive from God
Gus and Jennie Jones
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Love your family
Earl and Sue Sewell
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Jean,
We are so sorry to hear of John's passing. I am also sorry that I couldn't play for the funeral. Earl has had 2 appt. at UAMS both today and tomorrow. How are you doing?
Heather Marcum Cooper
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Mr Hoffman was always very sweet.. I wasnt lucky enough to have been in his class in Perryville, but he was always nice and kind to me. May God wrap his loving arms around you all for peace, and comfort. Prayers for you all.
Alison Cutler Rice
Thursday, September 28, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Hoffman. I know he touched the lives of many family, friends, and students. May God bless him and all those he touched. The Rice Family is thinking of his family during this difficult time.
Harold and Carrie Henderson
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Me. Hoffman was a great person and will be dearly missed. He taught me in school and I will never forget him. He made more of an impact on kids than he will ever know. My heart is heavy for your family.
Betty Hussey Holbrook
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Mr. Hoffman was never my teacher but he was in charge of my study hall and my three friends and I kept him rattled. We will always remember "we must abide by the rules and regulations." He was also our class of 1961 at Perryville class sponsor along with faye sadler and lois loudermilk and they accompanied us on our class trip to Eureka Springs. What fun! He was a wonderful person, his smile could make you feel good and he always had a kind word. He will be missed.
Brian Wilhite
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
So sorry to hear of his passing. He was a faithful customer at Missions Barber College.
Holly (Balducci) Herron
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Mr. Hoffman was such a dear man who always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. I'll never forget that devilish twinkle in his eye and his hearty laugh. He had a huge, long-lasting impact on our students at Bigelow HS. My prayers are with Mrs. Jean, the Adams family, and the Lawrence family for comfort in knowing that he will be resting in peace with the Lord.
Shawn Halbrook
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Ms. Adams,
My family's prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May God's peace fall upon all of you.
Shawn and Jennifer Halbrook
Bill and Sandra Lamb
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Prayers and thoughts are with the Hoffman Family.
Gary and Kathy Rankin
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
The Adams Family, Coach Hoffman was such a kind spirited man. He certainly had a gift for teaching and molding young people. Our son, Cody always said he was a good old man! I guess he thought he was old when he coached at Perryville. Prayers that God will bring you comfort and enjoy all the precious memories.
Ashley Tallent
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Susan,
I'm so sorry for your loss. The time I met your Dad, he had this exact smile when I mentioned you. You are a great daughter and wonderful caregiver. I see now where you learned your love for education.
Thinking of you,
Ashley Tallent
Rozann Morris Abato
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
I remember this wonderful teacher. I was in his class in 1963 when we learned about the assassination of President Kennedy. I will never forget that moment. He was a great man and I send deepest condolencescto his loved ones.
Kirk Hudspeth
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Mr. Hoffman was an awesome man. The legacy he leaves behind was ingrained in each of the students he taught. From the football field to the classroom he was not respector of persons. I had the privilege to visit with him at the at St. Andrews, he did not remember me but it was my easure to visit with him.
Your family are in our thoughts and prayers....
Natalie (Coppak) Collins
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
So sorry to hear about this. He was one of my favorite teachers. Always willing to listen if you needed someone to talk too. he will be greatly missed.
Mark Vaught
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Mr. Hoffman was one of the friendliest teachers at Perryville. He was always good for a laugh, a joke, and would give us a hard time for anything he could come up with. We gave it back to him though, calling him out for his "Yankee" accent. But underneath it all, he genuinely cared for all of us, and we all knew it. He would put his arm over my shoulder and say, "Mr. Vaught, how's the family? Are they all good?" The kicker was that he was part of our family, so he already knew the answer.
Truly, he will be missed.
Bobby Maxwell
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Coach Hoffman taught me so much, not only about science and football, but about life. He always had time to help. He would put his 12 in our dupe if we were out of line, and he always explained why. Very few people in this world had as much positive impact on my life as he did. He will be missed.
Cristy Nutt Savoie
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Mr. Hoffman made this world and Bigelow High School a better place. His encouraging hugs, kind words and mischievous smile always made my day a little brighter. Every student knew that if they ever needed a pick-me-up, he was the man to find. Driver's Ed was certainly more enjoyable because of him too! Thank you for sharing your life and love with us!
Bobby j stain
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
I'm very sorry to hear this he was a great man and heckof coac. He will be missed Rest in Peace coach until we meet again. They just dont make them like you anymore. Thanks for all you've done for everyone who came in touch with #75 Stain
Andy Gill
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
I ran track and played football for Coach Hoffman. So many good times and great stories. If the measure of a man's life is how he affects others, he was a giant.
Kris byrd
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
I loved this man dearly. One of the finest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was a huge influence in my life. He will be missed by many and was loved by all who knew him. Prayers for the family.
See you in heaven Sir.
Nikki Oaks
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Mr. Hoffman was one of the most genuine people that I had the privilege of meeting and be instructed by as a teenager. My thoughts are with you, his family, during this time... May you have peace.
Suzanne and Steve woods
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
We both lived Mr Hoffman. Will never forget his science classes
Mary Frey
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Hoffman's passing. He was such a precious man and will always have a special place in my heart. I have some fond memories of that sweet smile. If you need anything, please let me know. May God comfort in all during this time.
Melissa Corder
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Mr. Hoffman was the nicest man! He was always good to me! If ever I had a problem, he was always there to listen. I remember helping him with one of his 8th grade classes. He was happy to see me everyday, as I was him! Prayers for peace and comfort to his family.
Carla (Jones) Gosnell
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Me. Hoffman will always be remembered from mentoring us at BHS! Always there to put a smile on our face or sit and have the heart to heart we needed. He will be missed by many! Sorry for your loss! Your family will be in our prayers.
Laurel
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Papa,
Thank you for being the most wholehearted person I've ever known, your strength and dedication has touched so many lives. Even though we were far apart in distance, I always felt your support and love my entire life. You have inspired our entire family to always give our all, and to persevere no matter the obstacle. I will always remember your kind laugh, sweet smile, and sharing bowls of mint chip ice cream in the kitchen. I know you are here always watching over us.
Love Your Granddaughter,
Laurel
Robert Brazil
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
John was one of my favorite teachers what a great man he will be missed
Debbie Moore
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Susan,
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious father. May those sweet memories of special times with him help you through this difficult time. I am praying for peace and comfort for you and your family. Love you....
Debbie
Christy Stepp
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Mr. Hoffman was a great teacher/leader. I remember him being a great listener when I was in high school. If I ever needed anything, he was there to listen and cheer me on. I am sorry to hear of his passing. Your family is in my prayers.
Mary Smith
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Susan,
I'm so sorry for you loss. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
With Sympathy,
Mary Smith,
Ryan Lawrence
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Papa,
Thank you for being an awesome grandfather, but also an even greater role model for me. You have inspired me to show compassion even through rough times and also showed me the importance of a great work ethic. Although you are gone, you will never be forgotten. You will always be in my heart.
Susan Lawrence
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Dad,
Thank you for all you have done for my family and I. You have and always will be someone I strive to be. I am so blessed to call myself your daughter. We will miss you so much, and we will love you forever.
Susan Lawrence and Family