James Hook (1772 – 18 December 1828) was an English Anglican clergyman who served in various ecclesiastical roles, culminating in his appointment as Dean of Worcester. He was notable both for his own clerical career and for his family connections, being the son of the composer James Hook and the father of the celebrated novelist and wit Theodore Edward Hook.
Born in 1772, Hook received his education at Westminster School before matriculating at St Mary Hall, Oxford. He earned his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 1792, followed by a Master of Arts (MA) in 1794, a Bachelor of Divinity (BD) in 1801, and finally a Doctor of Divinity (DD) in 1802.
His clerical career began with a series of appointments and promotions within the Church of England. He was ordained and served as Rector of Hertingfordbury, Hertfordshire, from 1797. In 1803, he became the Rector of Bradenham, Buckinghamshire, and in 1805, he was appointed Archdeacon of Huntingdon. Further appointments included the Rectory of Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, in 1808, and the Rectory of Whippingham, Isle of Wight, in 1814.
In 1825, Hook reached the pinnacle of his ecclesiastical career when he was installed as the Dean of Worcester, a position he held until his death. As Dean, he was responsible for the administration and spiritual life of Worcester Cathedral.
He was known for his scholarly pursuits and occasionally published sermons and charges related to his ecclesiastical duties. He married Anna Maria Madden, and together they had several children, including Theodore Edward Hook (1788–1841), who became a prominent figure in English literature and society.
James Hook died on 18 December 1828, aged 56, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service to the Church of England and a distinguished family name.