James T. Hodges

James T. Hodges died February 2, 2015 at home in the arms of his loving wife Margaret, to whom he was married for over 43 years. Jim was born November 10, 1929 in Toledo.  He attended Waite High School and earned a B.S. from the University of Toledo.  Jim began his career in construction with an insulation business and later developed a preventive maintenance program for UT.  He retired from UT after serving as curator of the physics and astronomy building.  After retirement, he began another career as a marketing consultant in the petro chemical business.  Most recently Jim has enjoyed mentoring at the Partners in Education program for Toledo Public Schools. Performances in music and theater were significant.  At the age of 8, Jim was selected to sing as a boy soprano in the all male chorus at Trinity Episcopal Church in Toledo.  He later became a baritone soloist at St. Mark’s Lutheran and Hope Lutheran Churches.  His talent provided multiple opportunities for him to perform leading roles in numerous musicals and comedies where he enchanted the audiences.  Jim and Margaret also sang for many years with the Toledo Choral Society and Toledo Symphony Chorale. Jim and Margaret traveled extensively together, both nationally and internationally. They spent a great deal of time with friends traveling, playing golf, playing bridge and attending concerts at the Toledo Peristyle Theater.  They also enjoyed numerous trips to see their grandchildren participate in musical and sporting events.  Jim was a huge fan and supporter of his children and grandchildren. He loved meeting new people wherever he went and his kindness and gregariousness made a memorable impact.  He touched many lives with his gifts of humor, kindness and generosity. Family and friends have said that he knew more people than most people meet in a lifetime. Jim is also survived by his children, Sara and Jim (Kelley) Hodges; Margaret’s children, Pete (Dianne), Rob (Anne), Tom (Kelly) Fuhlbrigge and Lisa (Joe) Zofchak; 12 grandchildren; one great grandchild; and his sister, Beverly Williams.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Hodges. At Hope Lutheran Church, Jim was active as a lay reader and served on the church council and endowment committee. He requested that any donations be directed to the Hope Lutheran Church Endowment Fund. The family will receive guests on Saturday, February 21, 2015 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of memorial services at 11:00 a.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, 2201 Secor Road.   A luncheon reception will follow in the church hall.