John Hamilton “Jack” Hodge, 80, formerly of Bridgeport and Buckhannon, West Virginia, and now of Kennesaw, GA, passed away unexpectedly on October 6, 2018, at home. He was born in Middletown, CT, on February 3, 1938, to the late Harrison G. and Doris Lane Hodge.
Surviving are his wife, Mary Jo Herndon Hodge, of Kennesaw; two daughters and sons-in-laws, Lane and William Kunberger of Kennesaw, GA and Jane and Dr. John DeVine of Evans, GA.; five grandchildren Katie Kunberger, Kyle Kunberger, Hayden, Sam and Megan DeVine.; a brother Stephen Hodge (Jeannette); a sister-in-law Ann Hodge; brother-in-law James Herndon (Debbie); sister-in-law Jane Herndon; and numerous nieces, a great niece and a nephew. He was preceded in death by two brothers Robert L. and F. William Hodge.
He attended elementary and high school in Middletown and Portland, CT. He was a delegate to Boys State and Boys Nation. He graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1961 where he was president of the Student Body and later served on the Board of Trustees and was a member of the Emeritus Club.
Following college graduation he served 4 years in the U.S. Air Force in Amarillo, TX and Indianapolis, IN. He served as Alumni Director at WV Wesleyan College from 1965-1968 and was active in the local Jaycees and Rotary.
He joined Consolidated Gas Supply Corporation in 1968 and worked in Public Relations, Governmental Affairs and Administrative Management for 25 years. He headed up the project to launch the Benedum Industrial Park. He also served on Bridgeport City Council for 2 terms and was Bridgeport Mayor for two terms. In 1978 he was recognized as the Bridgeport Outstanding Citizen of the Year. He taught Sunday School at Bridgeport United Methodist Church and served on numerous municipal organizations, as well as being president of the high school Band and Sports Booster Clubs.
After moving to Kennesaw he was employed by Stone Mountain Power Tool Corporation as a store manager. He was a member of American Legion Post 304.
Services will be held on Sunday, October 14, at 2:00 p.m. at Kennesaw United Methodist Church at 1801 Ben King Road, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Visitation will be begin at 1:30 p.m. and a dessert reception will be held following the service. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to West Virginia Wesleyan College, Advancement Office, 59 College Avenue, Buckhannon, WV 26201 or call 304-473-8485, or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Woodstock Funeral Home.
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