James Robert Hockin (Jim) Obituary

Saint Paul, MN - Jim passed peacefully, surrounded by family, November 15, 2025. He was born June 23, 1946 and spent his early childhood in Milwaukee, WI before moving to Minneapolis at age 13.

Jim was a talented musician, a committed dentist and devoted father and husband who started his own dental practice at age 24, turned his longtime passion for music into a second career, and always had time to shovel off a hockey pond or play backyard quarterback for his sons. Later in life he cherished accompanying his grandchildren in their musical pursuits. His wife, Nanette, and his children Matthew, Peter and Timothy, were by his side in his final days.

At the age of seven, Jim began learning at home on a Hammond B3 from his organist father. He joined his high school band on clarinet and continued on the keys with dedication. At the University of Minnesota he studied performance and taught 27 piano students. In 1963, while pursuing pre-dental studies, he performed the Grieg Piano Concerto with the Minnesota Orchestra. In 1967 he began playing organ for church services.

In May of 1968, Jim met Nanette Williard, the following year they were married. In 1970, he became the youngest practicing dentist in the state of Minnesota and a parent to firstborn son Matthew, followed by Peter and Timothy.

In 1972, the church he played organ for purchased a Rodgers with what he believed to be authentic pipe sound. His love of that organ would lead to what he called 'running two careers'. He was both a dentist and an organist who led workshops, performed dedication concerts, and voiced organ installations with Rodgers Organ Studio.

Jim was also fascinated by weather and airplanes from a young age. He held a private pilot license for many years and also regularly attended the EAA airshow in Oshkosh, WI with friends and family.

Serious in his pursuits of music and dentistry, Jim was also known for his lighthearted, positive outlook, and witty sense of humor. He is survived by wife, Nanette; children Matt (Jenn), Peter (Kristin) and Tim (Melina); and grandchildren Dylan, Reese, Nicole, and Taylor. Memorial to be held Sat. Dec. 6, 1pm visitation, 2pm service, St. Andrews Lutheran Church Sanctuary, 900 Stillwater Rd, Mahtomedi, MN. Donations in Jim's memory may be made to HealthPartners Frauenshuh Cancer Center, or charity of choice.

https://obituaries.startribune.com/obituary/james-hockin-1093350758