JAMES ERWIN (JIM) HODGSON

James Erwin Hodgson, 67, was set free from his suffering to be with his Lord on November 9, 2017. Born to Floyd and Mabel (Johnson) Hodgson September 24, 1950, at Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Pasco, WA, Jim lived his childhood camping and fishing with his family. He graduated from Kennewick High School in 1968. 

Jim followed his father into the meat cutting business, later moving into carpentry and wrapping up his career with 25+ years at Hanford in various management positions. He was very popular with employees he supervised as he always considered himself a partner, rather than a boss. He was best known at Hanford for the magnificent feeds he provided.

Jim married Gloria Talkington and her children (Cheryl, Lori, Mike, Steve, and Vicky) in 1972. The light of his life, James Erwin Hodgson, Jr. was born in 1973. They lived for a while in Ekalaka, MT before settling in Walla Walla, WA. He met and married Marilyn (Drinkard) Hodgson in 1979. They settled on a 21-acre property in West Richland area naming it River Meadow Farm, where they raised Arabian horses until the present time.

Jim was passionate about the many dogs he rescued over the 34 years on the farm. His favorite was probably Bernard who was by his side for the 11-year cancer battle, preceding him in death by less than a year. Raising Arabians since 1980, the farm produced many winners, including Regional, National, and Scottsdale Champions. The last to be produced by the Hodgsons is currently in training and bears the name, Big Jim, in honor of his breeder.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Hodgson, children Jim (LeeAnn) Hodgson, Jr., Linda (Scott) Kickland, Tim (Angie) Welch, Cheryl Gonzales, Lori Gonzales, Mike Watts, and Vicky (Jim) Castleberry, siblings, John (Doris) Hodgson and Joyce (Bob) Tyrrell, grandchildren, David Ellingson, Brian (Iris) Ellingson, Amber (Camren) Jones, Ashley (Tom) Henry, Amanda Welch, Chyanne Obie, and several great-grandchildren, aunts, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his father Floyd Hodgson and mother Mabel Hodgson, of Kennewick, brother, Joe (Jan) Hodgson of Cashmere, WA, half-brother, Gene Hodgson, of Athena, OR, grandson, Joshua Draper, of Ritzville, WA, and step-son, Steve Watts, of Walla Walla, WA. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Events at Sunset in Richland, December 1 at 1:00

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Cancer Center in Kennewick, WA, the American Heart Association, or your favorite charity.