Jeffrey Thomas Hodge

1959 - 2021

Jeffrey Thomas Hodge

1959 - 2021

Jeffrey Thomas Hodge, beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Son and Brother passed away on November 15, 2021 in Tucson, AZ.

Jeff was born on September 21, 1959 at the Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa, Ca. to Mack Hodge and Cecile (Pasco) Hodge. The oldest of three children, Jeff attended Lincoln, then Shearer Elementary School where he served as a Sgt. in the school Traffic Patrol, beginning a lifelong calling to serve. He attended Ridgeview Jr. High School and graduated from Napa High School in 1977.

Growing up in the small town of Napa in the 60's & 70's was pretty idyllic, and Jeff was a happy member of the Hemlock/Cesta Street crew making friends that would last a lifetime. He worked as a young outgoing paperboy delivering the Napa Register daily to some 120 homes covering two routes and as a teen a Gas Attendant and an Usher at the Uptown Theater.

In 1980 he proudly enlisted into the US Army as a Private First Class. He served at home at the Presidio, SF and abroad, in Germany, and S.H.A.P.E. (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe) in Belgium serving as an Executive Administrative Assistant under General Bernard Rogers. Leaving the Army as Sgt. Jeffrey Hodge he returned to Napa and then moved to Middletown, CA to raise his family. Jeff worked in the pump and mining industry for over 30 years both in California and Arizona.

Jeff was dedicated to helping others through coaching and mentoring with youth sports and Boy Scouts. He coached softball, baseball, basketball and soccer, where he also served on the Clearlake Youth Soccer Board. An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Jeff influenced many lives as a Young Mens' Leader through Boy Scouts. In his free-time he loved to hunt, garden and spend time with his family.

Jeff was also a proud member of the Cherokee Nation. He enjoyed learning the stories of his rich family history and studying genealogy. Family and service were core values to Jeff. Always a twinkle in his eyes, Jeff was a proud Tata to his adorable grandchildren, who could do no wrong.

Jeff was known for his generous spirit, strong work ethic and fun-loving personality. Jeff achieved much and touched many. He had a way of making everyone feel like they were his best friend. He was an eldest son, a grandson and a nephew. He was a much-loved big brother, and cousin that was treasured. Then one wonderful day he married Julie (Solis) and added his favorite rolls of all, as a husband, father and Tata. Jeff was also incomparable Uncle, Brother In Law and friend. Everyone in Jeff's life felt his love and the laughter he carefully crafted to be shared with us all. His exclusive charisma endeared him to everyone who crossed his path.

Always a practical joker, if he cared for you, it meant he also pranked you, and if he did, it's likely you're reminiscing and laughing about it now, with a tug at your heart and a lump in your throat wondering how someone so special is gone from our lives so soon.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Mack Hodge and survived by his wife of 36 years, Julie, his children Jessica Rittenhouse (Jacob), Janelle Mendoza (Abraham), and Jackson Hodge and his loving grandchildren Kirsten, Eli, Paul, Lincoln, Orson, Jaycie and Abigail. He is also survived by his mother Cecile Hodge, siblings Staci Freeman (Lynn), and Patrick Hodge (Renee). And his fur babies, Mohe and Izzy.

Services will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021. A viewing will be held at 12:00 pm with the funeral services beginning at 1:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1355 N. Lon Adams Rd., Marana, AZ. 85653. In lieu of flowers the family asks a donation be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 501 E Roanoke Ave., Phoenix AZ. 85004/rmhccnaz.org.