CORDOVA — James “Jimmy” Willis Hodges, 89, of Cordova, passed away peacefully Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, Rockingham, surrounded by his close, loving family.
He was born July 29, 1933 in Richmond County, son of the late Leslie Willis Hodges and Annie Lee Grice Hodges.
Jimmy worked in textiles most of his working life. Being at his home at the coast and fishing were his favorite place and thing to do. He also enjoyed front-porch sitting, watching birds, gardening and talking with his neighbors. He was a great Papa to his grandchildren, who he loved with all of his heart. It was very evident by his family and anyone that knew him how much he loved his wife and took care of “Nanny.”
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Robert “Buddy” Benton Jr.; and grandson, David Lee Olin Boatwright.
Jimmy is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Joyce Duncan Hodges, of the home; children, Janet Taylor (George) of Hamlet, Patty Hodges of Aberdeen, Debbie Woods of Cordova, Kim Moore (Bill) of Hamlet, Shirley Benton of Rockingham, and James Hodges of Lilesville; special friend, like his son, Ricky Blakely; sisters, Peggy Nehrenz (Scott) of Camano Island, Washington, Doris Stevens of Bakersfield, California, and Nita Jethro (Shelton) of Vanceboro; 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023 from 1-2 p.m. at Harrington Funeral Home, Hamlet.
The funeral service will begin at 2 p.m., immediately following the visitation, in the chapel of Harrington Funeral Home, with Pastor Doug Anderson officiating. Burial will follow at Richmond Memorial Park.
At other times, the family will receive guests at the home of his granddaughter, Lauren Benton, 127 Church St., Cordova.
Memorials may be made to the Lung Cancer Initiative, 5171 Glenwood Ave. Suite 401, Raleigh, NC 27612 or online at https://lungcancerinitiative.org/donate.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Hodges family.
Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
