Jim Hodder

Jim Hodder died peacefully at 12 noon Maundy Thursday at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and Life Center. He was surrounded by all of his family, several friends and the undeniable chesed of Almighty God.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, the former Katherine Augusta Hanson; one daughter, Katherine Hodder Case of the home; one son, Walter William Hodder (Dorothy) of Wilmington, N.C.; one sister, Mrs. Lucinda (Lucy) Hodder Ratta of Pepperill, MA; one brother-in-law, Richard Vollers Hanson, Sr. of Wilmington, N.C.; numerous nieces and nephews; great- nieces and great-nephews; and several great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; one adopted son, James V. Hall, Jr.,Wilmington, N.C.
Daddy and his fraternal twin (the late CAPT Edwin John Hodder, DC. USN, Ret.) were born April 24, 1916, to the late Walter William and Margaret Lucinda Johnston Hodder in Cambridge, MA. In 1937, he graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a double major in floriculture and horticulture.
Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1940, he served both stateside and in the European Theater until 1946. He fought in the Normandy Invasion (D-Day plus 3) through The Battle of the Bulge-serving in the 3RD Armored "Lightning" Division. He assisted in liberating several German concentration camps.
Upon his return stateside in few short weeks he married mother on January 19, 1946.
Throughout his adult life from college onward competitive swimming (breast stroke and the butterfly) was a key part of his life. He broke several university swim records and tied various collegiate records. He swam All Army in wartime Europe.
Daddy was a farmer, forester, tree surgeon, and he taught forestry and agriculture at Wilmington College. At St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church he taught Sunday School, was scoutmaster, served as crucifer, and sang bass in the church choir for over thiry years. In recent years he became a "Flounder Volunteer" at The UNC-Wilmington Center for Marine Science.
Memorial services with full military honors will be held Tuesday, April 10, 2007, 2 p.m. The Reverend Doctor Frank C. Perry officiating; Oakdale Cemetery.
The family requests no flowers. Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 11 N. 6th St.; The Mercy House Shelter, 506 N. 4th St.; UNCW-Center for Marine Science; or the charity of one's choice.
Gratitude is expressed now to all friends and caregivers for their love, thoughtfulness, and prayers. Especial thanks to our loving, praying Greenbrier South neighborhood family.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com.
A Market St Chapel Service.