J. Robert Hooper
James Robert Hooper (July 27, 1936 – January 24, 2008) was an American politician who served on the Maryland Senate from 1999 to 2007. Education. Hooper attended Bel Air High School in Bel Air, Maryland. Career. Hooper owned Harford Sanitation Services, which he founded with his father in 1954 and was operated after his death until its sale by his son Bobby Ray Hooper and his daughter, Cindy Hushon. He was a member of the Harford County, Aberdeen and Havre de Grace Chambers of Commerce, as well as the Route 40 Business Association. He also served on the  Board of Directors for the Salvation Army of Harford County from 1986 until his death. Political career. Hooper served as a member of the Harford County Council from 1982 until 1990. Hooper was elected to the Maryland state senate in 1998. He was sworn in on January 13, 1999 to represent District 35 in Harford County. The hallmark of his work was constituent service. Hooper announced on November 14, 2007 that he was resigning his Senate seat due to poor health. The resignation took effect on December 31, 2007. He recommended and was replaced by State Delegate Barry Glassman. Hooper  was lovingly known among the Senate's Pages as Senator "High Five" Hooper because he would walk into session every day and run down the line of pages and give them high-fives. He was even known to do this among his fellow senators. Hooper's unique way of saying hello at the beginning of a session put a smile on everyone's faces. Hooper succumbed to colon cancer on January 24, 2008 at his home in Street, Maryland. He was 71 years old.