James Hodges

PRINCETON – James Hampton Hodges, 80, of Princeton, passed away Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at Princeton Community Hospital.  Born May 28, 1930 at Widemouth, he was the son of the late Hampton Hodges and Rosa Clisso Hodges.

Mr. Hodges was of the Baptist faith.  He was a retired coal miner after 37 years of service and was a member of the UMWA.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps having served in the Korean War.  He was a former volunteer for the Matoaka Volunteer Fire Dept and loved helping people.  He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one brother, Milton Hodges; and one sister, Shirley Gibson.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Ruby Mack Hodges of Princeton; two sons, James Duane Hodges and his wife Trena of Bluefield and Frank Hodges and his wife Tammy of Buckhannon; two sisters, Gaynell Whorley of Leesburg, FL and Lucy Hight of LaGrange, NC; two brothers, Billy Hodges and his wife Dixie of New Boston, OH and Ivan Hodges and his wife Nancy of Columbus, OH; four granddaughters, Jennifer LeAnn Kennedy and her husband Matt of Fredricksburg, VA and Jamie Hodges, Samantha Hodges and Sabrina Hodges all of Buckhannon; and two great-grandchildren, Emily Kennedy and Evan Kennedy both of Fredricksburg, VA.  He was looking forward to meeting his new great-granddaughter, Madeline.  

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 29, 2011 at the Rowland H. Bailey Funeral Chapel of the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton with Pastor Ronnie Thomure officiating.  Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton.  Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Memorial contributions may be made to Appalachian Teen Challenge, P.O. Box 980, Athens, WV 24712.

Friends may call Friday, January 28, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. at the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.bailey-kirk.com.