James Richard Hodges

James Richard Hodges

James Richard Hodges,69, passed away in the early morning of October 11, 2019, surrounded by his loving family.
He is survived by his beloved wife of fifty years, Shirley (Condra) Hodges, adored children and their families, Mark and Jennifer Hodges (Rebekah, Clayton, Allison) of San Antonio, Wayne and Courtney Hodges (Scout, Rhett) of Karnes City, and Brian Hodges of San Antonio; close brothers and sisters-in-law, Ronald and Susan Hodges of Somerset, Dennis and Ronda Hodges of Somerset; dearly loved sister-in-law Peggy (Mark) Oppelt, and brother-in-law, Ralph (Connie) Condra; and precious nieces and nephews.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Alberta Hodges.
Born November 7, 1949 in San Antonio and raised in Somerset, Texas, James was the son of Charlie Elmore Hodges and Alberta Isbell Hodges. He was a resident of the Castroville-La Coste area for the last forty-one years.
After graduating from Somerset High School with the class of 1968, he married his high school sweetheart, Shirley. They began their family while he was attending Texas A&I University in Kingsville. James graduated from college in 1972 with a B.S. in Agricultural Education, continued his studies, and earned a Masters of Education from Texas A&I University. He began his teaching career as an Ag teacher and FFA Advisor at Lyford High School in 1972, where he taught his first six years. He then moved his family to Castroville, where he taught Ag Sciences at Medina Valley High School for the next nineteen years. After teaching another eight years at Hondo High School, he retired in 2005. Over his career, James mentored hundreds of students with their agricultural projects, leadership contests, judging competitions and stock show activities. After his retirement,James continued to coach leadership and judging teams as a volunteer.
James loved to hunt, drive his Ford tractor and share in family gatherings. He was a member of Young Farmers, Agriculture Teacher’s Association and Texas A&I Alumni Association.
Visitation will be Wednesday, October 16, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home.The Funeral Service will be Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Medina Valley United Methodist Church, 1108 Country Lane, Castroville, Texas 78009. Interment will follow that afternoon at 1:30 p.m.at Oak Island United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in James’ memory to Medina Valley United Methodist Church building fund.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home, Castroville, Texas.