James Hodges

Lieutenant Colonel James D. Hodges, 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends at his home on November 14, 2023.  He was a decorated military veteran that served in the Korean War.

Lt. Col. Hodges was born on 3/20/31 in Birmingham, Alabama to his parents Allen Price Hodges, Sr. and Ruth Dunn Hodges. 

At the age of 16, James enlisted in the Alabama National Guard as a Corporal, after completing 2 years of ROTC at Woodlawn High School.  He steadily rose in rank to Sgt. First Class, serving in the Army during the Korean War.  After being released from active duty, he took a series of ten tests to become an officer.  He received a Presidential Appointment to Second Lieutenant in 1957 while in the National Guard.  He was selected as Captain after successfully completing numerous assignments and was given command of Headquarters Company.  This company included the Battalion Fire Support element as well as clerical and supply functions.  Three years later, Lt. Col. Hodges was assigned to command “A” Company, 1st Battalion, 167th infantry.  This unit won the best unit award for that summer.  Lt. Col. Hodges was then assigned to command “B” Company in Bessemer, AL during the Vietnam War.  

While working his commands James completed the Officer Basic Course and Officer Advance Course at Fort Benning, GA.  He completed Commander and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, KA. During the following 5 years he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.  James spent 2 years in Jasper, AL in the 933rd Support Battalion as their Supply Officer.  Afterwards, he returned to his hometown of Birmingham, AL, on the General Staff of the 116th Corp Support Command, as the Rear Area Protection Officer, directly under the Command General.  The following 8 years, James spent time in Germany with the support group stationed there.  

James held many positions during his time of service.  Notably, as a Corporal, he was the fire team leader and Supply Sergeant.  James was a Drill Sergeant while in active service during the Korean War at Fort Jackson, SC.  James attended and graduated from Intelligence School in Fort Riley, KS, Aircraft Landing School at Fort Eustis, VA, as well as training at Fort Bragg, NC and Fort Atterberry, ID, where he was honorably discharged in 1952.  After discharge, James returned to the Alabama National Guard and retired as Lieutenant Colonel in March of 1991, completing 44 years of service to his country.

James retired from Alagasco in December of 1991, where he worked alongside his buddy and brother, Allen “Sonny” Hodges and met the love of his life, Margie.  James was a long-time member of Wylam Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon and elder.  James was an active volunteer for Freedom Trade International, a mission to eradicate human trafficking in India.  In addition to being a loving father and grandfather, James also loved Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  James held unwavering faith shared with those close to him in his life.  

James joins his wife, Margie Kelso Hodges, mother Ruth Dunn Hodges, father Allen Price Hodges Sr., stepfather Rex Nation, brother Allen “Sonny” Hodges, and sister Linda Dunn Woods in heaven.

James’ is survived by his daughter Wendy Hodges Taylor (John), daughter Judy Junkins Hartley (Robert), granddaughter Maggie Elizabeth Parsons, grandson Austin Hartley (Andrea), granddaughter Casey Hartley Gibbons (Scotty) and many great grandchildren.  

Services are to be held at Currie-Jefferson funeral home and Memorial Gardens.  2701 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover AL 35244 on November 20th, 2023.  Visitation 1:00-2:00 pm.  Funeral in the chapel at 2:00 pm with internment and military honors directly afterwards.  All are invited to attend.  

In lieu of flowers the family asks donations to be made in James' memory to:

Freedom Trade International

9340 Helena Rd. Suite F-128

Birmingham, AL 35244

www.freedomtradeinternational.org