James Edward Hodulik

With a touch of wry humor and a heart full of reverence, we remember James "Jim" Edward Hodulik, known to some as Jimbo, Hud, Dad, or Monkey. A resident of Maumee, OH, Jim drew his last breath on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the age of 71, after a brave battle with complications from nonalcoholic liver disease at Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

Born to Paul and Hildegard Hodulik on July 25, 1951, in Oregon, OH, Jim was part of an eight-strong team of siblings that included Gene, Tom, Joe, Steve (deceased), David, Dan, and Ruth Ann. As a family, they cherished the value of togetherness and learned the art of resilience from each other.

From his time at St. Francis de Sales High School to his entrepreneurial adventures, Jim displayed an unyielding dedication, a fighting spirit akin to a sportsman charging for a touchdown. He breathed life into multiple restaurants, creating local landmarks like Ole Buddies Dairy Dip and Catering in Genoa, The Chadwick Inn in Maumee, and Stella’s and Swig in Perrysburg. His culinary prowess was often acknowledged with accolades.

Father to Nick Hodulik, Molly Hodulik Pearson, and Abbey Hodulik Bilancini, Jim's love for his children knew no bounds. He embraced Nick's husband, Jonathan "JT" Taylor, and Molly's partner, Pete Demray, with the same fervor. In his grandchildren, Cora and Lincoln Pearson, he found an overflowing well of affection and pride.

His brother Dan eloquently remembers him as a teacher of life and sports, who would always stand up for his loved ones. A man of strength, wit, and patience, he personified Teddy Roosevelt's "The Man in the Arena" — continually striving, daring greatly, and despite the stumbles, never backing down.

Jim had an impatience for incompetence, a fiery temper, and a complex and profound belief in God. He was known for his extraordinary work ethic, which he passed down as an invaluable legacy to his children.

Beyond his fervor for good food (especially prime rib, ice cream, and brie cheese) and great bargains, Jim was a master at finding value in every purchase, especially if it came in bulk. His love for Sam's Club and Costco was legendary, much like his knack for storytelling. His tales, some charmingly repeated more times than he probably remembered and regardless of whether you had heard them before, added color and depth to every conversation.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 27, at the Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home in Perrysburg, OH, between 3PM-7PM. A solemn funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 28, at 10:30AM at the St. Rose Catholic Church in Perrysburg, followed by a feast of life at the Carranor Hunt and Polo Club. Jim will later be cremated and laid to rest at the Clay Township Cemetery.

Rather than flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or St. Francis de Sales High School in Jim's memory. Or you might wish to honor his memory by sharing a good story over a shared meal, perhaps with something you bought in bulk, to remember the warmth and love that Jim Hodulik brought into this world.