James Hodge

My Dad died two weeks ago today. It's hard to say much about it right now. Thanks so much to those who have sent cards and emails. I haven't responded well but I am so very grateful. D

OXFORD – James Oby “Jim” Hodge, 70, of Oxford passed away Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011, at his home.

He was the husband of Barbara C. (Hendrickson) Hodge for 51 years. Born Feb. 23, 1941, in Norwich, he was the son of the late Grant and Louise (Spicer) Hodge.

The land that comprises Oxpres Farms, a dairy farm with barns and land in both Oxford and Preston, has been an ever-present part of Jim’s life. At 7 years old, he walked alongside his father and brother, E. Donald Hodge, herding their dairy cows from downtown Oxford to this newly purchased land. When their father died in 1960, 19- year-old Jim and 23-year old Donald became partners in operating the family farm they came to call “Oxpres Farms.”

After retiring from farming in 2005, though lung and heart disease confined Jim’s movements, he still got around the farm on a four-wheeler rigged to hold and oxygen tank, riding through fields and pastures to visit his brother, his sons and his grandchildren, all living on the land he’d known since childhood. He loved the Atlanta Braves,  watching the birds, evening chats with his sons, the regular traffic that a farm brings even after retirement, talking politics and pulling a good prank.

In addition to his wife, Barbara, Jim is survived by one daughter, Deborah A. Hodge and husband Neil Niman of Durham, N.H., two sons, Mark G. Hodge and wife Pepper of Oxford, Matthew J. Hodge and partner Julie Micha of Oxford; eight grandchildren, Joshua and Isaac Niman, Sara, Hannah, Emma and Ethan Hodge, Kassidy and Jenna Hodge, one brother E. Donald Hodge and wife Barbara J. Hodge; four sisters-in-law, four brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his nephew Terry S. Hodge.

A memorial service for Jim will be held on Jim’s farm in the spring. There will be no calling hours.

Memorial contributions in Jim’s memory may be sent to the Oxford Fire Dept. Emergency Squad, PO Box 172, Oxford, NY 13830 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815

I took this photo on November 1st when my Dad came home from the hospital in one more of his incredible turnarounds. He was so very tough -- as is my mom. I love them both immensely, and I am committed to making important changes in my own life so I can be just as tough and live just as productive and rich a life.

Comments

[terry]

Debbie I am so so sorry. God bless you and your family.

[Jenna]

I am so sorry to hear this.

[char]

So so sorry.

[Dina]

I've been thinking about you the last two weeks...strength and love and peace to you, Debbie!