Date of death: 7/13/2017
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1956
James “Jim” Jack Hodge died Thursday, July 13, 2017 in Houston, Texas at the age 86. James was born August 2, 1930 in Indianapolis, Indiana and was the second oldest of 11 children. At an early age, Jim found his passion for serving God and entered the St. Meinrad Archabbey in Southern Indiana at 14 years old. He remained at St. Meinrad until he was ordained into the Roman Catholic priesthood at the age of 26 on May 5, 1956. While serving as a priest, Jim was a parish priest, high school teacher and the priest at Terra Haute Federal Prison. He later moved to Washington, D.C. where he was the director in charge of religion for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Jim left the priesthood but continued his service for the Lord by obtaining his Master’s Degree in Social Work with an Advanced Clinical Practice License. He worked for American Medical International for many years and saw patients in his private psychotherapy practice. Jim was also a licensed real estate broker and sold real estate with his wife after retiring from private practice. Faith and family were central to Jim’s life. He remained close to all of his siblings during his lifetime. Although they were spread out all over the country, they all congregated regularly for family reunions. Jim loved his family and was a devoted father and grandfather. He supported his children in all their hobbies. Jim joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary to help his son, Michael, foster his passion of boating and seamanship. In January of 1995, Jim became a grandfather. He spent all his time helping with his 5 grandchildren. He was always there for his kids and grandkids. Whether it was picking up someone at school or cheering for his grandkids at sporting events, Jim loved being a father and grandfather. Jim is preceded in death by his parents Jack Vertle Hodge and Augusta Ann Zix Hodge; Siblings Paul Hodge, Charles Hodge, Robert Hodge, Michael Hodge and Carol Ann Lewis, and son-in-law Larry Gillespie. He is survived by his loving wife Diane “Dennie” Gunter Hodge, daughter Michelle Gillespie, son Michael D. Trautwein and wife Carol and his loving grandchildren Terri Gillespie Bobbitt, James Michael Gillespie, Hannah Marie Gillespie, Grace Nicole Trautwein and Ryan Martin Trautwein. He is also survived by siblings Mary Evelyn Frye, William Andrew Hodge, Thomas Edward Hodge and his wife Carla, John David Hodge and his wife Jane, and Stephen Patrick Hodge a host of other loving relatives. Jim was a kind and gentle man. He will be missed by the many people that were touched by his loving and compassionate personality. His body and mind have been healed and the mystery of everlasting life has been revealed to him We love you and will be reunited with you in His kingdom.