Obituary for James "Jim" Hodges
James “Jim” William Hodges, 81, of Vestaburg, MI, went on to meet his savior Jesus Christ on December 24th, 2023, in Alma, MI.
He was born February 10th, 1942, to Eugene and Freida Herzog-Hodges. He graduated from Sheridan High School in 1960 where he was involved in the FFA, sports and was voted the “most shy”. Instead of going to MSU for engineering he decided to follow what God laid on his heart, he went to Central Michigan University to become a teacher. He graduated in 1965 and while there he ran track for four years earning his varsity letter. Jim also went on to get his Masters degree in Mathematics from Central Michigan University in 1967.
In August 1965, Jim went on a blind date with his future bride, Marie and they were married 5 short months later on January 15, 1966. They went on to have 2 girls, Brenda and Amy and 6 grandkids. He loved his family and took great pride in his grandkids.
James was an active member of his community. He taught mathematics & physics at Vestaburg High School for 46 years and was heavily involved in extracurricular activities such as the National Honor Society Advisor. He was inducted into the MHSAA Honorary Hall of Fame in 2011. This fall he was inducted into the Vestaburg High School Hall of Fame. His many hats included 58 years of running the clock for the football team and 59 years of keeping books for the basketball team, coaching track, freshman basketball, & JV football, a bus driver for 13 years, senior class advisor, Adult Education teacher, and was on the board to establish the Michigan Chapter of the National Honor Society. His love for his students and the role of teacher and mentor was what he cared about the most.
He was a charter member of the local Lions Club for 44 years where he held perfect attendance. He held the Treasurer position from 2000 until 2022 and was the President from 2010 to 2023. He ran several projects while he was there including Easter egg hunts, kid’s Christmas parties, White Cane, and Food Wagon.
A life-long follower of Jesus Christ, James attended the Community Church in Alma. He loved his church community and was a kind, gracious servant of God and was always willing to lend a hand to whoever needed it. He loved people deeply and would often be found praying early in the morning.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Freida, who died when JIm was young, his step-mother Blanche and his siblings Ralph Hodges and Eileen Wright and granddaughter Jessica Johnston. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Marie Hemminger-Hodges, his two daughters, Brenda (Ray) Hearn and Amy Johnston, sister Betty Salisbury, and his 6 grandchildren: Alex, Caitlin & Emily Hearn and Stephanie, Sarah, & Julie Johnston.
Visitation will be held at Community Church in Alma, MI on Thursday from 5-8pm and Friday from 11-1 with the Celebration of Life to following at 1pm. Meal will be served after at His Place Family Enrichment Center. Contributions can be made in his honor to The James Hodges Scholarship Fund at Vestaburg High School, the Vestaburg Lion’s Club or a charity of your choice to further the gospel of Jesus Christ.
He was born February 10th, 1942, to Eugene and Freida Herzog-Hodges. He graduated from Sheridan High School in 1960 where he was involved in the FFA, sports and was voted the “most shy”. Instead of going to MSU for engineering he decided to follow what God laid on his heart, he went to Central Michigan University to become a teacher. He graduated in 1965 and while there he ran track for four years earning his varsity letter. Jim also went on to get his Masters degree in Mathematics from Central Michigan University in 1967.
In August 1965, Jim went on a blind date with his future bride, Marie and they were married 5 short months later on January 15, 1966. They went on to have 2 girls, Brenda and Amy and 6 grandkids. He loved his family and took great pride in his grandkids.
James was an active member of his community. He taught mathematics & physics at Vestaburg High School for 46 years and was heavily involved in extracurricular activities such as the National Honor Society Advisor. He was inducted into the MHSAA Honorary Hall of Fame in 2011. This fall he was inducted into the Vestaburg High School Hall of Fame. His many hats included 58 years of running the clock for the football team and 59 years of keeping books for the basketball team, coaching track, freshman basketball, & JV football, a bus driver for 13 years, senior class advisor, Adult Education teacher, and was on the board to establish the Michigan Chapter of the National Honor Society. His love for his students and the role of teacher and mentor was what he cared about the most.
He was a charter member of the local Lions Club for 44 years where he held perfect attendance. He held the Treasurer position from 2000 until 2022 and was the President from 2010 to 2023. He ran several projects while he was there including Easter egg hunts, kid’s Christmas parties, White Cane, and Food Wagon.
A life-long follower of Jesus Christ, James attended the Community Church in Alma. He loved his church community and was a kind, gracious servant of God and was always willing to lend a hand to whoever needed it. He loved people deeply and would often be found praying early in the morning.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Freida, who died when JIm was young, his step-mother Blanche and his siblings Ralph Hodges and Eileen Wright and granddaughter Jessica Johnston. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Marie Hemminger-Hodges, his two daughters, Brenda (Ray) Hearn and Amy Johnston, sister Betty Salisbury, and his 6 grandchildren: Alex, Caitlin & Emily Hearn and Stephanie, Sarah, & Julie Johnston.
Visitation will be held at Community Church in Alma, MI on Thursday from 5-8pm and Friday from 11-1 with the Celebration of Life to following at 1pm. Meal will be served after at His Place Family Enrichment Center. Contributions can be made in his honor to The James Hodges Scholarship Fund at Vestaburg High School, the Vestaburg Lion’s Club or a charity of your choice to further the gospel of Jesus Christ.