Gregory Jamal Hooks passed away at the age of 51.
Gregory or some know him as Jamal, was born to Gregory and Joan Hooks on June 9th 1972 in Los Angeles California. Gregory was a very kind person with a gentle spirit. We would call him a gentle giant because he was so big and tall. He was a quiet and reserved person to a point but once people got to know him they would see his beautiful personality come through. Gregory was a very funny person. He had a sarcasm that would make people laugh. Gregory loved sports and especially football. He attended Culver city High School in California and was dubbed “Mr. Culver City”. He was considered one of the best athletes. He took all state in football, track and basketball. After high school, He played for Santa Monica College and later transferred to play with the University of Utah from 1992 to 1993 as a wide receiver. He made many friends at the U of U and had many frat brothers with the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. His studies were in criminal justice. After college Greg went on to be a youth corrections counselor for the Juvenile Justice system for the State of Utah. Greg loved kids and was great at being a positive mentor for troubled youth. Where ever Greg went he made a difference and people always remembered him. Greg loved his family whether immediate or the family that he gained through marriage to Krista Hooks. On June 20th, 2019 Greg and Krista were blessed to adopt and become parents to a beautiful girl named Mylea Hooks. Greg always had a way of making her giggle with his humor and he was always so patient and kind with his daughter. He always made her feel safe and loved. He called her his boo boo kitty. She will always hold love for Greg in her heart. Greg will be missed by many. He is survived by siblings Richard Ridgley, Yvette Ridgley, Damien Hooks (Toni). Also survived by his daughter Mylea Hooks. He is proceeded in death by his parents Gregory Hooks and Joan Hooks. Greg has many nieces and nephews through immediate family and through the Martinez family (Krista) that all love him very much. No matter what Greg, you will always be a part of the Martinez family. You are in Gods care now G-Wiz. Rest in paradise Greg. A memorial service will be held on Thursday May 30th at 10:30 AM at Calvary Baptist Church 1090 South State Street, Salt Lake City, UT.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Mi hermano. Rest in paradise. Say hey to my girls uncle Greg. See you on the other side. ❤️
To my friend Krista and the Martinez and Hooks Family,
My sincere condolences to you all. Greg will be missed by everyone. He was a great friend to me. And you’re right Krista, he was very funny! You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Trust in the Lord to help you through these difficult times, and know that I’m here for you. Love y’all!
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Hooks family. RIP my friend. Yopps
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I ask God to give you the peace, comfort, understanding and strength that you need in the days, months and years to come. Know that God is with you and Greg and smiling down on each of you. Greg was always a cool dude. He will be missed. Rest in eternal peace Greg.
Sincerely,
Crystal (CCHS c/o 92)
Hooks my maan Rest Easy Brutha
Wish we coulda spent more time chopping it up
You were a good person with a great spirit ??
Rest in Paradise Mr. Culver City! You were just a Kid when we all met you and took you in as our Little Brother at Culver High. Your smile took the hearts of many Teenagers back then Lol. Looking at this picture just breaks my heart and I wish that we all could have been there for you during this time of your life. Rest well Greg. You will always be Remembered! Shantreial ?
My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
I went to high school with Greg and remember him being a great athlete, kinda shy but with a sarcastic wit! I’m happy to see he was so loved in his life and had a family. So sad to hear of his passing. Gone way too soon! Rest in paradise Greg.
Be easy my Ute brother , always with a smile and a joke . You will be greatly missed . Condolences to the family ,Hooks was a great teammate, man and Ute .
I have some fun and very fond memories of you from the Utes era. Recently we had reconnected and it was nice to hear you laugh and that sarcastic sense of humor again. I was shocked to hear of your passing so young. I hope you will now rest easy. Say hi to Bronzell for me!!
Greg was a beast but a quiet and confident one? My heart goes out to your wife, daughter and all your family and friends❤️ Man I wished I had seen you in recent years Hooks. U Boys 4 Eternity??
Fly high, you are missed.
Say hi to Joe…
Greg was both talented and humble, soft spoken but roared on the field with his actions. I always admired and respected Greg Hooks. He was one of Coach Graves best all around recruits, both as a great player and an even better person. I will be in Boise commemorating my father with my mother, so I will miss the funeral. Greg and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Rest in Love Gregory! You were the sweetest. Too many regrets but so many sweet memories – Culver City High. You will always be remembered and Loved. Sending healing prayers to Gregory’s family! Ursula??