James Lee Hodgson Sr.

Hospital in Traverse City, Michigan.

Jim was born James Lee Hartwell on May 27,1951 in Cedarville, Michigan to George

Hartwell and Edith Wright. Following Edith's death in 1959, he spent six years in foster care

until he came to the home of Edward and Lois Hodgson near Manistee, Michigan. A short

time later they would adopt him and then, with his new name, came three big brothers and a

wonderful mom and dad.

Jim graduated from Manistee High School and would go on to be employed by the City of

Manistee for many years. He held positions in the Parks, Street and Wastewater

departments as well as operating the drawbridges that span the Manistee River. During this time he was also a volunteer firefighter for the city.

Jim searched for and was reunited with most of his biological siblings. He loved spending

time with them as well as other family and friends.

He had a passion for the outdoors, especially the Upper Peninsula. He loved old country and gospel music, Louis L'Amourwesterns, and John Wayne movies. When his health permitted, his favorite pastimes were fishing with his wife and son and going for long car rides in the woods with them. Once this

was no longer possible, he could usually be found reading or watching a movie with his dog

Dante by his side.

Jim is survived by Patricia, his wife and constant companion of 27 years; 4 children: James

Jr., Tammy (Dave), Shawn, and Amy (Thomas); 12 grandchildren: Christopher (Jamie),

Ashley (Matt), Kyle (Becca), Shalynn (Jackie), Brianna (Bobby), Shanna (Tyler), Levi

(Nicole), Michael, Matthew, Xane, Jayden and Lukas; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters:

Ruth (Jim), Georgia, Trinia, Geni, Linda and Rosie; brothers: Daryl (Janine), Dean (Janice),

Wayne (Jill), Leonard, and Bob Bell; many nieces and nephews; and his much loved

mother-in-law Karen. He is also survived by the many people that called him friend and/or

knew him as Dad or Uncle Jimmy due to his kind and loving nature.

Jim was proceeded in death by both his biological parents as well as his Mom and Dad;

sisters: Mary and Cecelia; beloved sister-in-law Jill; stepchildren: Karl and Jessi; and

father-in-law Larry.

A celebration of James life will be held on Sunday, May 27th at First Street Beach in Manistee, Michigan beginning at 2:00 pm with a potluck luncheon and fellowship to follow. If you life, please bring a dish to pass and a favorite story to share.