James Edward Hodge Sr.

JAMES EDWARD HODGE SR., 85, of Johnston, ENTERED INTO ETERNAL REST ON JANUARY 7, 2017. He was the beloved husband of Barbara (Angell) Hodge for 58 years. Born in North Dakota, he was the son of the late Robert and Emily (Letorneau) Hodge.

Jim proudly served our country as a paratrooper and master sergeant of the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division as well as serving in the Rhode Island National Guard. After being honorably discharged, Jim worked for Browne & Sharpe, Narragansett Brewery and Airport Taxi before illness forced him to retire 4 years ago.

Jim and Barbara enjoyed retirement together by shopping, going to Foxwoods and eating out. Jim was a true gentleman, cherished by his family, always had a smile which made him easy to love, being ready with a pun or a dry joke that made you laugh. He will be greatly missed.

He was predeceased by his brother, Robert, and two sisters, Iola and Leona. Besides his wife, he is survived by two sons: James E. Hodge Jr., his wife Ann-Marie of North Providence and their daughters Barbara, Bianca and Jianna, and Robert M. Hodge, his wife Lori-Ann of Cranston and their children Mariah, Angel, Travis, David and Coby. Jim was also blessed with a great-granddaughter, Aubrey Grace.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, 5-7 p.m. with funeral services on Thursday at 8 a.m. from the PONTARELLI-MARINO Home, 971 Branch Avenue, Providence. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. in St. Anthony Church, 1413 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence. Burial with military honors will follow in the RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter.