James S. Hodges Jr.

James “Jim” Samuel Hodges, Jr., 90, of East Prairie, Missouri died Saturday, March 04, 2017 at Cotton Point Nursing Facility in Matthews, Missouri. He was born October 07, 1926 in Sikeston, MO to the late James Samuel, Sr. and Emma Thelma (Arnold) Hodges. From childhood he lived and worked with the family on a farm west of Sikeston off Salcedo Road, until January 1944 when he dropped out of high school, changed his birthdate to make himself of age to join the US Marines and fight overseas in World War II. After completing his service to his country, he returned to Sikeston High School to play football, lettering for the Sikeston Bulldogs in 1946 and completed his education. In 1947, he married Patricia M. Heuschober at Maple Avenue Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau, MO. He worked as Store Manager for Kroger Company in Cairo, IL, Clinton, KY and Du Quoin, IL winning many district awards for his stores, until owning and operating Tru-Valu IGA store in East Prairie, MO from 1962 until 2005 when he retired and sold his business. He supported his community and he was a past member of the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, and East Prairie Spur and Saddle Club. He was a devoted supporter of East Prairie youth sports. He was a member of the Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church and was its oldest living member. He enjoyed owning Quarter horses, and found pleasure in riding his horses and attending sports events of his sons, grandsons and great-grandsons. A man of strong faith in God and Country and his family, he worked tirelessly. By his example, he expressed honesty and fairness in combination with a tremendous work ethic, topped off with a smile and a genuine appreciation for the people he worked with and worked for. He loved his memories of all his years in East Prairie working and raising his family, and always modestly saying “East Prairie had been good to me”. He was a good man. Survivors include his wife, Patricia Hodges of their home; son, Steve Hodges of East Prairie; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Debbie Hodges of Montrose, Colorado; daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Rick Nowell of New Madrid; grandsons, James Hodges of New Madrid, MO, Andrew and wife Natalka Hodges of Kalamazoo, MI, Adam Hodges of Branson, MO, and David Wayne Prince of Cape Girardeau, MO; and great-grandsons William Patrick Hodges and Samuel Peyton Hodges of New Madrid, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents; and by fifteen siblings, Laura Martha Hodges, John Shelton Hodges, Flora Ellen Hodges Morse, Wesley Mortimer “Bobe” Hodges, Sadie Mae Hodges Patterson, Thelma May Hodges, Cassie Thelma Hodges Patterson, James Finis Hodges, Margaret Pearl Hodges, Mary Irene Hodges Carter Gross, Virgin Lorene Hodges Mays, Vera Gertrude Hodges Stafford Wilkinson, Bettie Ruth Hodges McGregor, Billy Gene Hodges, and Preston Samuel Hodges. Friends may call 1:00PM to 2:00PM on Thursday, March 09, 2017 at Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum. Funeral service will be at 2:00PM on Thursday, March 09, 2017 at the Mausoleum with Pastor Gary Hodges officiating. Entombment will follow with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be given to Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church of East Prairie, Alzheimer’s Association, or the Veteran’s Association.

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James S. Hodges Jr.

October 7, 1926 - March 4, 2017