James (“Jim, Jimmy”) Eugene Hodges sadly departed this world on April 13, 2023 in Orlando, Florida after a brief, yet fiercely fought battle with cancer.
Jim was born in Newport Beach, California to Norik Shigehara Hodges on May 24, 1959. He attended Waynesville High School in Waynesville, Missouri. Jim’s professional career spanned several decades as he worked in various positions for Rockwell International, Lockheed Martin, Triumph, and Bombardier, culminating in the majority of his time spent as a manager with Northrop Grumman Corporation. His commitment to achieving excellence in all positions exceeded only by his devotion to mentoring and supporting subordinates, colleagues, and superiors defined the professional man that he was.
Jim’s passionate love of family, fishing, friends, fine food, fun, all the finer things in life (to include his beloved Cowboys, Cardinals, and Bulldogs), and the fabulous times (involving all or most of these favorites) reflected the personal man that he was. Jim never met a stranger and showed kindness and compassion to everyone he ever encountered without exception.
Jim is survived by his wife, Vanessa of Ocala, Florida and five children: his daughters Susan Steele (Kevin), Jamie Hodges, Pheobe Murphy (Craig); and Lindsey Smith (Joseph); and his son, son James III.; as well as his former wife and dear friend, Maria Hodges. Jim is also survived by 16 grandchildren (Dylan Hodges, Brayden and Caleb Steele; Chyna, Keveon, Terrie, and Naima Hodges; Mariah, Craig Jr., Cameron, Sariah, Aaliyah, and Ariannah Murphy; Joseph Jr., Nicholas and Christopher Smith). Jim is further survived by his younger sister, Major (Ret.) and Federal Judge (Ret.) Susan Whittington and brother, 1SG (Ret.) and Department of Army Civilian (Ret.) Loyd Hodges. Jim is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother, Norik in 2017 and his niece, Priscilla in 1982.
A memorial service is scheduled for April 29, 2023 at 1:00 p.m., at Roberts Funeral Home, 606 SW 2d Ave, Ocala, Florida.
Matthew 5:4 – “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”