A Tribute to a Great Advocate for Preservation, Jim Hoekema

In July 2021, the Preservation League lost a dear friend. Jim Hoekema was a passionate advocate for preservation who had called Newburgh home since the late 1990s. In the last 20 years or so, he dedicated himself to supporting local nonprofits including the Newburgh Historical Society, Safe Harbors of the Hudson, and the Newburgh Preservation Association. The League was honored to work closely with Jim through his work championing Newburgh’s Dutch Reformed Church (a 2016 Seven to Save site). Just as we were so grateful for Jim’s support in life, we were honored to be included in his estate plans.

Jim Hoekema presenting at the Interaction 18 conference in Lyon in Feb 2018. He was there to talk about his very first interactive design project, Art Game, designed with Charles and Ray Eames for IBM in 1977-78. You can learn more about Jim’s life at jimhoekema.com.

“Jim's passion for preserving brick-and-mortar memories in his community motivated a generous gift from his estate to the League. Jim never met a preservation project he didn’t love,” recalls his brother David.

“For Jim’s many years as a donor and preservationist, and for his legacy gift to the League, we are sincerely grateful. We will miss him as a stalwart advocate for Newburgh and for historic preservation in New York State,” noted League President Jay DiLorenzo.

Jim led a varied and exciting life, and the League is privileged to be among the organizations he cared about so deeply – and supported so generously. Like Jim, we hope you’ll consider remembering the League in your estate plans. It’s never too soon to think about a charitable gift in your will, and now could be the perfect time to secure your legacy.

Please let us know if you plan to or have already included the League in your will so we can say thank you. If you would like more information about making a bequest, please reach out to the League’s Development Director, Betsy Gramkow.