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John K. Hoover
John K. Hoover
Phoenix, AZ
John K. Hoover, 95, passed away on February 20, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. A native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, John graduated from Franklin High School and went on to earn both a B.A. and M.S. from the University of Iowa. He held fond memories of his Cedar Rapids childhood and remained close with many of his high school friends throughout his life.
John often shared vivid stories from his youth and beyond—passing Leo the lion on the Howard Hall estate during daily walks to and from school, playing drums for teen dances at the Y in the 1940s, and guest conductor Arthur Fiedler yelling at him to “play those cymbals LOUDER!" during a Cedar Rapids Symphony rehearsal.
An avid skier, golfer, hiker, and tennis player, John enjoyed a full and active life. Music was a lifelong passion. He played drums, jazz piano, and accordion, and sparked many a sing-along at parties. During his time in the U.S. Air Force, John never missed a chance to jump on an open piano in New Orleans bars while off duty.
Professionally, in Cedar Rapids, John founded a computer services company, J.K. Hoover Inc. After relocating to New Mexico in 1980, he established Management Sciences, a computer consulting business. He taught occasional courses at Santa Fe Community College and the University of New Mexico, and in later years, tutored young students struggling in math.
In retirement, John nurtured his lifelong interests in writing, math, art, and music. For years, he amused friends with his newsletter, The Hoover Herald, filled with hand-drawn, quirky tidbits and musings on the world. He took architecture classes and wrote an unpublished book titled “The Expanding Role of Geometry in Architectural Design”. A lifelong sketcher, John eventually turned to painting—starting with realistic and whimsical pieces before embracing abstract geometric forms bursting with vibrant color, a blend of artistic expression and mathematical inspiration.
John is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Kathryn Nye Hoover, children John II, Peter, and Abigail, grandchildren Elizabeth Dotson, Sean, Brooks, and Dylan Hoover, great-grandchildren Jackson and Carter Hoover and Dottie Dotson. A celebration of life event was held in Phoenix on March 15.
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