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BORN
1940
DIED
2014
James Hodge Obituary
September 2, 1940 - December 11, 2014
Modesto resident James M. Hodge passed away December 11, 2014, after a short illness. He was 74.
Jim was born on September 2, 1940, in Jamestown, California to Bill and Lucy Hodge. He was a resident of Tuolumne, California until he graduated from Tuolumne High School in 1958.
Jim joined the U.S. Navy after high school and then worked in the box factory before attending Modesto Junior College. Soon after enrolling in Modesto Junior College Jim went to work for Industrial Electrical Company in 1963. Jim dedicated his entire working life to the family business and leaves his imprint on the company today. Jim began his career working for Walt Schenewark, who started the business, then went on to work for three generations of the family business.
Jim supported many local athletes and loved both local sports and professional sporting teams, including his favorites: the Oakland A's and Oakland Raiders. Jim loved telling stories and entertaining those he was around. Everyone who met him was instantly blessed by his caring nature. Loved by many, he was affectionately known as "Uncle Jim."
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his identical twin brother, John.
He is survived by his wife, Debra; daughter, Tara Imelio (Mike); grandchildren, Blaine Jantz, Austin Jantz and Lauren Imelio; sisters, Lorraine Freeland and Paula Marr, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, December 16 at 10:00am at the Modesto SOS Club, 819 Sunset Ave., Modesto, CA . In lieu of flowers, Memorial Gifts may be made to the American Heart Association.
honor.americanheart.org/goto/JamesHodge
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Memories and Condolences
for James Hodge
Christie (David) Kramer
January 15, 2015
Deb - I just learned of your hubby's passing. I am so very sorry for your loss. May his memory be eternal. xoxoxo
Rachel Wyhlidko Bell
December 18, 2014
I was very sad to hear of Jim's passing. An amazing man that will truly be missed.
Tim Brieden
December 17, 2014
I want to give my condolences to the Hodge family. I have known and worked with Jim over the past 22 years. I was deeply sadden and shocked to hear of his passing. He was a great guy, a man of integrity and he will be greatly missed.
randy edwards
December 17, 2014
Me and Dakota love Jim, I know you will be watching a good game at the field of dreams
Lisa Cano-Escamilla
December 17, 2014
Tara, Sorry to hear about your dad. I just read it in the paper. Our thoughts and prayers to your family.
December 16, 2014
Only knowing Jims footprints on a heart that is of one whom I believe without even knowing what he is doing, broadcasts on... This obviously very generous and true loving legacy. And it is "we" and the ones whom are to come after "we"......That shall continue to receive this love and compassion. Blessed are "we" whom will benefit from Mr.hodge As "our" brother may not know of the love and inspiration that he passes on to others....and like "our" brother: Mr.Hodge may never know how far and how stretching, the love he has left living in this world transcending all types of boundries, I speak in gratitude for your lovefull and caring legacy, I know even without knowing you. That you left this world a better place because you were here. MAY THE KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS welcome you into HIS KINGDOM.
Blanca Ramirez
December 16, 2014
Uncle Jim, is the way I remember him. He was such an amazing person. He was so young spirited. I don't know he had so much energy but he made my day everytime I saw him and he would say hi and give me a hug. He was always happy. He made such an impact on me in just the short time that I knew him. Miss you dearly.
Matt Bettencourt
December 15, 2014
We want to give our condolences to the Hodge family , Jim was a man of integrity and left lasting impressions on many people , sorry for your loss
Dan Childres
December 15, 2014
Jim was a close and dear friend! We go back to when he hired me in 1969 shortly after I left the Navy. Jim loved kids and baseball. We coached Little League together back in 1970's. We were close for many years and I will miss him. He had a huge heart and would go out of his way to help anyone who needed help. May he rest in peace!! He will be truly missed. Kristine and I send our deepest condolences to his sisters Paula and Lorraine, his sister-in-law Joanne, to his dear daughter Tara, his grandchildren, nieces, nephews and his wife Debra.
Ron & Jamie Stephens
December 15, 2014
Truly one of the greatest people I've ever met. A great Mentor, Teacher and Friend. Jim had the greatest self-confidence without a hint of arrogance, a man with many RARE qualities to say the least. I like many others are Blessed to have known him. Love Ya Jim....
December 15, 2014
Although I've only worked for IEC for 2 years, I've been a part of the family for 12 years. Uncle Jim was the guy anyone could go to for anything, and nothing will be the same without him. He'd be the first one in the office, he came in on the weekends, and he really cared about the work AND the people. He always made me feel like a part of his family, not just his work family. I'll miss him so much, and this place will never be the same without him.
Deana Gough
December 15, 2014
I was honored to have known Jim. He was a great man and friend.
Don Gough
December 15, 2014
I have known Jim for 30 years. He was a mentor to me in our profession and my personal life. We can only hope to have even half the impact in this world that he had. My family will miss him very much. He affected my life in ways that will last for the rest of my life. My condolences to his family.
Ronald Hall
December 15, 2014
Good men seem to go before their time and Jim was no exception. I've lost a friend but I've gained so much from the time we spent together.
December 15, 2014
Jim Will be Greatly Missed here at DFA and in My Heart he always had a Smile on His Face and Went out of his way to Talk to Me About our Raiders and A's it Greatly Saddens me to Find out i will never get to Talk with Him again the World was a Much Better Place with him in It Love You Jim
Mike Brandenburg
Deborah Shepherd-Hayes
December 14, 2014
I am deeply saddened to learn of Jim's passing. What a wonderful, kind, fun loving, generous person Jim was. He blessed my family over 25 years ago when my dad was dying of brain cancer, and Jim (along with a few other "elves", as we called them) would come by and help with the yard, home fix it projects, etc and the only thing he asked is that we didn't tell anyone and give the elves a few cold ones! The twinkle in his eye and kindness to all will be greatly missed. He leaves a wake of blessed people. God's peace to his wife and family during this sad time.
Lori Morris
December 14, 2014
I am saddened by the passing of JIM HODGE. He was a member of Industrial Electrical family. I know many stories of how Jim gave so much to the shop. He used to drive grandpa Walt, after he couldn't drive anymore. Jim was kind, and made me smile many times at the 4:45pm "wait to clock out " countdown. JIM HODGE you will always be remembered. R.I.P
Kathi (BZ Kirby) Joy
December 14, 2014
I have lost a forever friend whom I loved dearly. We lived close by and the memories of biking, swimming, playing hide & go seek, dances, parties, sledding on the hill, Lucy's apple pies, and laughter fill my heart with good memories. Jim and John were like big brothers to me and I am comforted that they ARE together again - God bless Jim's family and friends who mourn him. He was a great guy - with Italian and Cornish roots and loving family.
Ramon / CDI Moncayo
December 14, 2014
My sincere condolences to the family. Jim, our friendship for 19 years was very special. I will miss talking 49ers and Raiders, you finally got one. RIP my friend.
Andi Maldonado
December 14, 2014
Jim was my birthday buddy, neighbor and dear friend for many years. We lived across the street from Jim & Debra and had many fun times with them. Matt called Jim "Uncle", from the day he was born. Every time Matt came to town we made a point to see "Uncle Jim". He always had a funny story to tell.
Jim was definitely one of a kind.
We will miss you!!
My heartfelt condolences to Debra & Tara.
Ronnie & Jennie Todd
December 13, 2014
We were so blessed to know Jim.He was more than just a boss or a friend he was family. Our prayers go out to Debra,Jeremy and all his family.We love you Jim and may you R.I.P
American Heart Association
December 13, 2014
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Chuck & Beth Musso
December 13, 2014
Chuck and I are deeply saddened to hear about Jim's passing. He was a dear friend who will be missed by all that knew him.
Debra, please let us know if you need anything, as we are willing to help with whatever you need.
Our thoughts are also with Tara, Jeremy and the entire staff at Industrial Electrical.
We have lost an amazing man.
December 13, 2014
Leland & Christy Simar Sat, Dec 13, 2014
So sorry for the loss of Jim,we had known him for around 30 yrs,he was the nicest,politest,hard working good man you could ever meet. He always looked forward to going to his grandkids sporting events.RIP Jim!! You will be dearly missed by many!! Leland, Christy, Cody & John
December 13, 2014
We were so blessed to have such a wonderful kind neighbor. Saddened by this news. Our condolences to Debra and the family. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Sincerely, The Chavez's, Ruben, Marisa and Regina.
December 13, 2014
We were blessed to have such a wonderful, kind, neighbor. Our condolences to Debra and the family. He will greatly missed and always remembered. Sincerely, The Chavez's, Ruben, Marisa and Regina
Bob Dungan
December 13, 2014
Know we loose another member of the SUHS class of 58. You will be missed but the memories of all of our times together on the Hill and camping will be with me forever.
Jeff Howard Howard
December 13, 2014
Jim was the person who drove me to my first job site as as an apprentice at Industrial Electric. His jovial personality, humor and good spirit made that first day so much easier. As a young man, starting a new trade, I will always remember how much easier he made that transition for me. In the years to follow, Jim always treated me, and everyone else like family. I, like many others that had the opportunity to meet him, will miss him dearly. Truly a one-of-a kind person with a huge heart. Rest in peace Jim, and thank you for all you did for me.
Ramon / CDI Moncayo
December 13, 2014
Jim,
Through our last 19 years of friendship, you have been truly a close and special friend to me. You where thoughtful, responsive and knowledgeable as well as dedicated to your trade. We had good times giving each other crap about the Raiders and 49ers. I will truly miss our conversations and friendship. RIP my friend. GO 49ERS.
US Bank
December 13, 2014
Jim,
You were always a wonderful man to interact with who always had a smile and laugh to share with everyone. We will miss your spirit and amazing personality in the bank.
Joe McGrath
December 13, 2014
Debra and Tara. Heart felt Condolences from the McGrath Boys and there families.Know we all Loved him and Thank You for sharing him. We all know Heaven just got alot Better they gained a Great Man, So sorry for your loss.
Michelle & Dave Howell
December 13, 2014
We are heartbroken because we have lost a great friend too soon. We will miss Jim more than words can express. We are thinking and most importantly praying for Debra, Jeremy and Tara and the entire Hodge family during this very sad time. One great comfort to us are all the wonderful memories we have with Jim. May this be so for you, too!
Carol Painter
December 13, 2014
I have so many memories of time spent in Tuolumne while in our teens. And I have pictures my mom took of us playing together a little kids. Jim and John were an important part of my life. Thank you for being my cousin!
Danny Keelan
December 13, 2014
My heart hurts for any that have crossed paths with Jim,for I too, feel their sorrow. My heart is overjoyed, thankful to have known him. My heart is content to know that he knows how we all cared and loved him. As this is the initial entry I am tearfully honored to do so. I, we, all of us greatly miss you "Uncle Jim" -Danny Keelan
Cathy D'Arpino-DeLaMare
December 13, 2014
There was never a kinder and more loving man than Jim. He will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for a lifetime of happy memories Jim! You will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
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