James N. Hodges, 74, of Fairfield was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Saturday (May 16) while surrounded by family after a long hard fight with complications with kidney disease. James was retired from General Tire after 30 years where he was a production supervisor of truck tire curing. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Fairfield, the Masonic Lodge #206 where he was a past Master, and the Fairfield Eastern Star Chapter #233. James enjoyed going fishing, hunting, camping, traveling, but most of all, he enjoyed being with his grandkids. James was born in Anderson Indiana on December 1st, 1945 to James Norval and Ruth (Robinson) Hodges. He married Linda Draper on September 22, 1965.
James is survived by his wife- Linda Hodges of Fairfield; daughter- Angela (David) Vaughan of Fairfield; Son- Dr. Michael R (Lisa) Hodges of Newburgh IN; grandchildren- Nicole (Joel) Schoenborn, Russell Vaughan, and Anthony (Mariah) Vaughan all of Fairfield, Ashley (Kyle) Gorman of Evansville IN, and Meghan (Tanner Simoneaux) Hodges of Newburgh IN; great-grandchildren- Emmalyn and Mason Schoenborn, Charley Faye Vaughan, and one great-grandson due in August; half-brother- David Nelson; half-sisters- Joyce Reynolds and Sara Taylor; brother-in-law- George (Teresa) Draper; several nieces and nephews also survive.
James was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws- George E. & Joyce Draper, brother- Ronald B. Hodges, Sister- Kay Hodges Baker, brothers-in-law- Ray, Jerry, Robert, and Buddy Draper.
Due to the current Corona pandemic, a private family service will be held on Wednesday May 20th with burial in Maple Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Wayne County Ambulance, or Fairfield Rural Rescue and will be accepted at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home which is in charge of all the arrangements.