James Alexander Hodges III

March 2, 2005 – July 5, 2025

It is with deep sorrow and enduring love that we announce the tragic passing of James Alexander Hodges, III, affectionately known as Bird & J.J., who drowned at Lake Isabella, California, on July 5, 2025.

Born to Donna and J. A. Hodges, II, James came into the world with boundless energy and an infectious enthusiasm for life. From the very beginning, his spirit inspired everyone around him. His natural curiosity, relentless drive, and open heart made him not just a remarkable student, but an extraordinary human being.

James was a proud graduate of Toluca Lake Elementary, Walter Reed Middle School, and North Hollywood High School. He was entering his junior year at Loyola Marymount University, where he was a shining light on campus. A dedicated student and community member, James was involved in the Business Law Society, Mane Entertainment, and played for LMU’s men’s club basketball team. His bright smile and uplifting presence made an unforgettable impression on everyone he met. As he once captioned a photo of himself, beaming: “I can’t believe my life!”

Beyond campus, James was passionately pursuing a career in the entertainment and sports industries. He was a booking intern with Live Nation Entertainment, worked part-time at the Kia Forum Box Office, and previously interned with Nederlander Concerts. In 2025, he served as an Ambassador at the Oak View Group's Pollstar Conference. This passion was deeply rooted in his family’s legacy in entertainment and was reflected in every step of his professional journey.

James was also a devoted sports fan and athlete. From his early days in T-Ball and flag football to his daily dedication to basketball, sports were a central thread of his life. At 10, he announced a 9-inning Dodgers game on simulcast and, in 2018, shot hoops at halftime during a Lakers game—earned by his heartfelt essay, "What Makes a Person a Good Teammate?" He also attended both Lakers and Clippers youth camps, and even named the orange cat he rescued, Bronco, after his favorite team, the Denver Broncos.

To his friends, James was fiercely loyal—a constant source of support, laughter, and encouragement. To his family, he was the heart of their world.

To his grandparents, he was the embodiment of hope, joy, and all the aspirations one dreams for a grandchild.

To his beloved mother —his best teammate and #1 Fan—James was everything: every good intention, every thoughtful decision, every promise fulfilled. He was her baby Bird. For her, being his mother is the greatest honor of her life.

James is survived by his loving mother, Donna Hodges; his father, J.A. Hodges II; his grandparents, Sylvia Gonzalez & Jose Vega, and James A. Hodges, Sr. & Karen; his half-sister Alexis Hodges; his aunt Miriam Hodges Prashad and her husband Gaurav Prashad; and his cousins Jackson and Cary Prashad, as well as his lifelong best friend Ryan Lopez, plus many extended family members from both sides.

Celebration of Life Service is set for 10:00A.M., Saturday, August 16th at Loyola Marymount University’s Sacred Heart Chapel. Reflection and refreshments will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the "James Alexander Hodges, III Memorial Scholarship Fund", LMU - Giving to Loyola Marymount University – Giving to Loyola Marymount University

James will be remembered for the light he brought to others, the joy he gave freely, and the dreams he pursued boldly. He lives on in every life he touched.