Jonathan T. "Jon" Hodgin

About

Albion College

Jonathan Hodgin Obituary

Jonathan T. "Jon" Hodgin Delta Township Jonathan T. "Jon" Hodgin's physical life ended on August 17, 2009 at the age of 77 in Lansing, Michigan, though his spirit will live one forever in the family he cherished. He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer BeGole, daughters Heidi (Pete) DuMond and Stephanie (Doug) Schmidt; son, Sean (Blythe) Skarshaug; his ex-wife and companion Amparo Hodgin; eight grandchildren, Jonathan, Alecxis, Spencer, Marisa, Sara, Kyle, Heather and Alexander, and ex-wife Ruth Hodgin; as well as his pet and companion, Kami. He was preceded in death by his father, Jonathan Hodgin; his mother, Corabel Hodgin; his brother, Richard Hodgin; his sister, Magene Telotte; and his son, James J. Hodgin. Jon always said that he grew up in the best of times and had a wonderful life. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He spent decades fishing for king salmon, steelhead and lake trout in Lake Michigan off the coast of Ludington, Michigan on his boat, Papa Bear, and loved to travel to North Dakota to hunt. But his true hobby was family. Everything he did in life, he did for his family. He never missed a family gathering, birthday, family sporting event, or cookout, and he was the king of the Sunday morning breakfast. He was a rock of dependability - always there to help out in any way he could. His spirit will always live on in the hearts of his family, forever. Jon was born in Lansing, Michigan on September 24, 1931, and graduated from J.W. Sexton High School in June of 1949. After a year spent at Albion College in 1949-1950, Jon started Commercial Blueprint Service in November 1950 with his mother, Corabel. In 1953, Jon joined the United States Army and served his country in the Korean War. After being honorably relieved from active duty, Jon returned to the United States in 1955. Over the next 40 years, Jon served as President and CEO, of Commercial Blueprint, Inc., watching over the company as it grew from 3 employees to 28 employees as it served the architectural, engineering, construction and graphic design communities. In 1960, Jon started Kalamazoo Blueprint (Kal-Blue) with partner Gerald Lind, and remained co-owner of Kal-Blue until 1985. In 1977, Jon also started CBI Copy Products, Inc. with partner Marvin Main, 10 years after taking over SCM Copy Machines in Lansing. Jon had an incredible mind for business, and served as a mentor for many businesses and business-people throughout Michigan. He had a strong work ethic and understanding for customer needs, and was never afraid to take chances to grow his businesses. The business principles he lived by have served as the backbone for many companies in Michigan over the last 60 years. But family was always most important to him. Jon was the thread that kept everyone together. His infectious smile will be forever missed. The family will receive friends in celebration of Jon's life on Thursday, August 20 from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at the home of Heidi and Pete DuMond at 2600 Sorority Lane in Holt, Michigan 48842. Arrangements by Tiffany Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal on Aug. 19, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Jonathan Hodgin

13 Entries

Greg Bovee

September 14, 2009

I miss Jon already, just as I miss Jim, and the friendship I shared with both. Jon was a wonderful mentor and role model. He was like a second father to me, and Jim was my brother. Jon took us many, many places hunting and fishing, and he did so with such unselfish generousity. Trout fishing on the Manistee, Grouse hunting near Stanton, Deer hunting at Schulte's, Lake trout fishing at T.C., and of course, Salmon fishing at Ludington. Just recently, my wife and I visited Portage Lake in Jackson Co., where 40 years ago (I remember it like it was yesterday) Jon took Jim, my brother Mike (who passed away in 2002) and I for a day of lake fishing. Jon caught the most beautiful 7 lb. Brown trout I have every seen. It was the only fish we caught that day, but wow, what a fish. These were always great times, and I owe much of my current love of these activities to Jon and Jim. I will always cherish our times we enjoyed together and I am forever thankful for the friendship they shared.

stephanie schmidt

August 27, 2009

Thank you all for your wonderful memories and comforting prayers.
He was such a strong but gentle person thst he will be missed by many people, colleagues, friends and especially family.
I do take comfort in the idea that he is in a peaceful place now, but this was all so sudden and he left us way too soon. I miss him deeply.

Sincerly,
Stephanie Schmidt
Daughter

Susan Liserio

August 20, 2009

To Heidi and Family, I'm very saddened to hear about your father. My prayers go out to you and your family. He was great man and a wonderful father. I will always remember his warm smile.

Craig DeHaven

August 20, 2009

The loss of Jon was a great loss to a lot more people than most will ever realize. Having had lunch with Jon just a few weeks ago made me realize what an important impact he had on me and more than I had ever realized. We had some incredible times together. My thoughts and prayer's go out to all of his family and friends.

Craig and Lisa DeHaven,

Chuck Skarshaug

August 20, 2009

Barbara and I are very saddened by the loss of Jon Hodgin. He was a great man and a wonderful father. Our sympathies to all those who knew and cared for him.

Chuck and Barb Skarshaug

Tom Garland

August 20, 2009

Jon and I have been friends for many years, his charisma and energy always made it a joy to be around him. After fishing with Jon several times it became obvious that we would always catch fish and always have a good time. His style of fishing was a reflection of how he lived his life, serious and straight forward but never losing sight of the joy and humanity in life. I will always remember fishing with Jon in Ludington as the best of times. The evenings with Jon, Amparo and the kids was the true highlight of the day for me and my family. Our memories of Jon will always include those great days .

We are blessed to have been his friends.

Tom and Gloria Garland

Bill Alvord

August 19, 2009

The last time I saw my Uncle Jon was 30 years ago. But some of the fondest memories I have of my childhood included my uncle and cousin Jim. He was always kind to me and I looked up to him.

Larry Restainer

August 19, 2009

Dear Family:

Michele and I are sorry for the loss of a wonderful father. Please know that all of you are in our prayers.

May God bless you with His comfort and peace.

Larry & Michele Restainer

Adriana G

August 19, 2009

He was a man to admire. His strength, his dedication, and his passion made him unique. I learned a lot from him and I am forever grateful for all the support he gave to my family and me. His family and friends will always remember him for the greatness of his being and for the immense love he offer us all. Adriana G

Adriana Giraldo

August 19, 2009

Rusti Coffelt

August 19, 2009

When CBI and Commercial Blueprint shared a parking lot and were practically next door to each other, I saw JT quite often during the course of a business day. His usual greeting was a big grin and a cheery "hi, Red".
After CBI moved to Michigan Avenue, I didn't see Jon quite so often, but the greeting, and the grin, were always the same.
I hope this memory brings you a little cheer, as this is how I will always remember him.

August 19, 2009

Jenifer and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Susan (Schulte) Gibson

Paul Thompson

August 19, 2009

Jon and I go back many years not only as friends but neighbors on the West Side. When Ken Fishbeck started his engineering company in 1956, the office was in his house right around the corner on W. St. Joe and that was the start of a relationship that spans many years with Jon and Commerical Blue. All our engineering printing and most of our equipment came from Com. Blue. Later as we both had to move in 1966 or so because of the new highway, we continued our relationship from different locations. Later on we grew and so did Jon's companies. I haven't seen Jon in several years as I retired and moved from Lansing to a home on Lake Michigan not far from where Jon fished.
I know he will be missed greatly by his family but he and his infectious smile will be missed by me very much.
Paul Thompson 805 S. Glen Rd., Shelby, Mi 49455

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results