James U Hodges

James Urban "Jimmie" Hodges, 91, passed away May 26, 2011, at Renaissance Villa Care Center in Rockdale. Born Dec. 19, 1919, to C.M. and Roberta Dunavant Hodges in Kinta, Okla., he moved with his family to Arp in 1930. On April 15, 1939, he graduated and received special academic honors in accounting from Tyler Commercial College.

He volunteered for military service Nov. 9, 1942, and served in the 302nd Airdrome Squadron of the 9th Air Force as an airplane mechanic in the European Theater of Operations in World War II.

Soon after his return from France, he married Bobbie Keosoff, the mother of his two children. He worked as an accountant and continued his education. In 1966 he became a journeyman pipe and instrument fitter and later relocated from East Texas to Washington state. Following a divorce, he married Margaret Spaulding in Bellingham, Wash., Jan. 15, 1972. Retirement brought him back to the Tyler area of East Texas, and with the death of Margaret in 2002 he moved to Rockdale to be near family.

A true introvert, he will be remembered for his quick wit and quiet manner.

The youngest of 13 children, he was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

He is survived by his son, James R. Hodges and wife Leesa of Bryan; daughter, Annette Stone and husband Frankie of Rockdale; granddaughters, Amie King and husband Matt of Pflugerville, Ashley Sparkman and husband Kyle of Amarillo, Kendall Hay and husband Andrew of St. Andrews, Scotland, and Caitlin Hodges of Washington, D.C. Also, great-grandchildren, Marillah and Edward King, John Kyle, Reagan, Blythe and Cannon Sparkman, and Amelie Hay.

Numerous nieces and nephews survive him as well as stepchildren, John Haakonson and wife Jeannette of Allyn, Wash., and Anna Langston and husband Bruce of Springhill, La.; and sister-in-law, Ellen Paravi of Los Gatos, Calif.

Specials thanks to his loving caregiver, Nancy Willis, and the caring staff of Renaissance Villa.

Cryptside service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Tyler Memorial Park Field of Honor Mausoleum with Bro. Jack Chelf officiating.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers please consider memorials to The Salvation Army or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Tyler Memorial Funeral Home - Cemetery and Mausoleum, Tyler, TX.