The first time that the girls came to meet and visit with Mamaw and Papaw, Jim had constructed a huge pile of leaves for the kids to play in. He logged many miles dragging Milo and Eliot around the yard in the wagon and opened his home and heart to his granddaughters Emilee and Alyssa. Scouting, wrestling, baseball and football were just a few of these, and if Jim didn't have experience with something he would read and figure out how to help make it happen. Like the role he played with Dorothy's hobbies and interests, Jim was a part of any activity of which his boys showed interest. As hard as their passing so closely together hits, those who knew Jim that he was simply holding the door one last time. Dorothy was Jim's world, and he was hers. Anything that she wanted to do, he made it happen Anything that she or the boys needed, he provided. The consummate gentleman, anywhere that she wanted to go, he took her there. He was the engineering support behind her quilting, the how-to support behind their line dancing and the moral and loving support of anything and everything that she did. His main hobby however was whatever Dorothy was into. He was an avid reader, and a collector of many things- including coins, stamps, books, antique toys and knowledge. Jim had many hobbies throughout his life. If a person knew Jim, they immediately (and sometimes correctly) assumed his kid must be pretty okay. Both Michael and Brandon have benefitted throughout their careers for simply being "Jim's boy". His diverse knowledge of surveying, engineering and operations and his ability to explain complicated matters in simple terms mad his office a very popular spot during these years. Jim soon retired from the State, and went to work for West Virginia American Water, where he remained until he finally decided to "hang up the calculator" for good. Although it took a while for his vision to be be completed, the love in the home grew as they drove nails, hung wallpaper and raised a couple of mischievous boys. Jim had an amazing skill for design (and of course had probably read a million books at this point in his life), and this shows in the details and customization throughout their home. In the late 70's, Jim's "babe" was ready to move back to her roots, so they purchased a piece of the Raines family farm on Gin Creek and proceeded to (slowly but surely) build the wonderful home of their dreams. These were utilized as mini family vacation, and the young family saw much of this beautiful state. He spent many years working for the West Virginia State Health Department, which had the perk of conferences at various state parks. Tbe boys were quite young when they attended Jim's graduation from Morris Harvey with his Professional Engineer license. Nearly two years later, Brandon arrived, completing the tight family that remained committed to each other throughout the high and lows of life. Jim became a father in 1972, to son, Michael. They drove cool cars, had good times and built a solid love that would last their lifetimes. Jim and Dorothy spent the early years of their marriage traveling the state, living out of suitcases, following his work. It was during these times that fate brought him to Sonny's Restaurant in Ripley where he met the love of his life, Dorothy Raines. He would study and take classes at night (gaining his Professional Surveyor License), while working on various projects around the state. James (Jim) utilized some of the skills learned in the Army and acquired a job with the State of West Virginia. (that) have been a tremendous benefit to this detachment. In a letter written to James' parents upon his discharge, his commanding officer wrote of his "cheerful, cooperative attitude, his good judgement, his interest in the welfare of his unit. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, and his last year was spent as a Military Policeman. He left Monroe County at adult age, choosing to join the Army as a means for an education. An avid reader from a very young age, every extra penny he could scrape up was spent on comics and books. Jim was raised on a dairy farm in Monroe County, part of a large and hard-working family. In addition to his wife Dorothy, James was preceded in death by his parents James and June Hodges and a sister, Mavis He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. James is survived by his sons Michael (Jennifer) and Brandon (Trish) grandchildren Emilee, Milo, Alyssa and Eliot brothers Bob, Bill, Randy and Benny Sisters Bonnie and Donna. James Hartley Hodges, 85, of Kenna was reunited with his wife, Dorothy on Sunday, at home surrounded by his family.
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