James Milton Hodges

It is with profound sadness that we share the death of James Milton Hodges on August 14, 2023, in Longview, Washington. He battled a short-lived but aggressive illness that took him just two months after diagnosis.

Born on November 22, 1962, James was named for his father, grandfather and great grandfather Hodges and for his maternal grandfather, Milton A. Sheppa. He was also known as Jamie, Uncle Milton, and even Flamin’ James!

With a heart full of wanderlust and a penchant for the open road, James found solace in riding motorcycles and traveling. A firm believer in hard work and the power of industriousness, if James was not out riding, or visiting with someone, he would be working on some project, either for income or for fun. His hands were never idle for long.

Growing up, he traveled extensively with his family, nurturing his love for adventure. He learned to repair old cars and trucks by helping his dad, and to love motorcycles from Dad and Grandpa Hodges. As soon as he could get a motorcycle endorsement, he rode a motorcycle everywhere, choosing Harleys as soon as possible!

James graduated from Castle Rock High School, WA in 1981. Shortly after graduation he spent time traveling in Europe, and then moved to Arizona. In 1986, following in his father’s footsteps, he proudly became a Journeyman Electrician with IBEW Local 48, in Portland, Oregon.

The last desire of his heart was for his wife to believe in Jesus. Shortly before his death, she told him she had come to Jesus. That allowed him to die with the assurance that she would meet him in heaven.

James was father to James Daniel Hodges, Tabitha Marie (Dan) Bourgeous, John Milton (Bri) Hodges, and Rebekah Leigh (Tanner) Taylor, and stepson, Jack Torrey. He was also grandfather to four: Kyia Leigh Pineo, Finn Jameson Hodges, Theia Thorin Hodges-Rae, and Talon Ranson Taylor.

He is survived by his devoted wife Kim (Harris-Jones) Hodges, his sister Julie Hodges (Evans), his parents James Orland Hodges Jr. and Carol Jean (Sheppa) Hodges, and his first wife Rena Hawkins Brown.

Friends and family are invited to gather with us as we remember James. A memorial service is being held at Castle Rock Christian Church, 542 Huntington Dr. S, Castle Rock, WA, on September 9, 2023 at 10 am.