James Eric (Jim) Hodder
December 29, 1940 to March 2, 2021
Obituary
To view the online service for the late James Hodder from The Carnell Memorial Chapel on Saturday, April 24th, 2021 at 2:00 p.m., please click the following link: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1618867310111447
Passed peacefully away on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at the Caribou Memorial Veterans Pavilion, James Eric (Jim) Hodder, age 80. Predeceased by parents Walter and Carrie (Caines) Hodder, parents-in-law Jack & Kitty Hall, step-daughter Cathy Ryan-McKeown, sister-in-law Marie Murphy and her husband Gerald, and brother-in-law Jack Hall.
Left with much sadness in their hearts are his loving wife and partner of 35 years, Catherine (Hall), his sons Jim and Thomas, his daughters Cheryl Schnegg (David) and Carla Hodder-Drake, his brother John (Mary). Also mourning his loss are his step-children Jo-Anne Dowden (Brian), Sandra Donovan (Kerry), and Gordon Ryan (Denise), his 6 grandchildren, Eric, Abigail, Jack, Kate, Meghan and Mason, 5 step-grandchildren, Michael, Marc, Richard, Tracy and Ian, 5 step-great grandchildren, Lily, Lucy, Liam, Logan and Lincoln, his sisters-in-law Bette Eavis, Sheila Lacey (Alex) and Cathy Hall.
Jim was born in Burgeo on December 29, 1940 after his mother left Rose Blanche on the schooner in the late Fall before the ice came in. He had 2 birth certificates, one listing Burgeo as his place of birth and the other Rose Blanche. The family moved to Port aux Basques when his father Walter took a new teaching position, later becoming Mayor and then MHA for the district of LaPoile. After completing High School there Jim attended Memorial University where he graduated with a BA, B/Ed. One of his proudest accomplishments was completing the Officer Training Program and receiving his Commission in the Canadian Army. He is a long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion.
During the ensuing years Jim was Supervising Principal of several schools in the Stephenville area before becoming Principal of the new Integrated High School. He was President of the Stephenville Kinsmen Club, Founding President of the Stephenville Safety Council, Founding member of the Port aux Basques Kinsmen Club and an Executive member of the NL Teachers Association. In 1974 he retired from teaching and became co-owner and Editor of the Georgian newspaper. He entered politics in 1975, when he was elected as the MHA for Port au Port and subsequently re-elected 5 times. In a career that spanned 4 decades he served in various roles including Opposition House Leader, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier, Parliamentary Secretary, Resource Policy Committee of Cabinet and Minister of Cultural Affairs, Tourism and Historic Resources. He also served as Vice Chairman of the Flag Committee that brought us our Newfoundland and Labrador flag.
Jim was privileged to have served almost 22 years as the Member of the House of Assembly representing the District of Port au Port for the Liberal and PC Parties. He loved the people of the district and became good friends with many, including Emile Benoit, a talented fiddle player who honoured Jim by composing the Jim Hodder Reel which is still played by many local musicians. Jim was a consummate reader as evidenced by the number of books in his library. His love of history led him to volunteer as a board member of the Sir William Vaughan Trust. He enjoyed each of his visits to the Trepassey area where the Trust is involved in an archaeological dig.
The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the staff on VP3, Caribou Memorial Veterans Pavilion for the comfort and care provided to Jim over the last 3 years and the compassion shown to our family. Thank you also to Rev. Piling and Rev. Morgan for their pastoral visits and to the Commissionaires for the assistance they provide to the families of residents, especially now in this time of Covid.
Arrangements entrusted to Carnell’s Funeral Home, St. John’s. Cremation has taken place. Due to Covid restrictions, a celebration of life will take place at a later date. Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of one’s choice.
Jim and Tom,
Sorry to learn of your father’s recent passing. My thoughts to the entire family.
Craig Collins
Jim my deepest sympathy on your fathers passing.
Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Condolences to family anf friends.
Catherine, my condolences to you and your familyat this time.
Catherine, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Kay Donovan
Mary and John,
I have just read the wonderful tribute to John’s brother. He truly lived a remarkable life. I know this
is a sad time. My heartfelt condolences to you.
Gail Cummings-Chin
Cathy & the Hodder Family:
Marie & I were so sorry to hear of Jim’s recent passing.
Jim was a dear friend & gave me wise counsel. He served his constituents,, his province & his country with honor & integrity.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him
Jim will surely be missed. Thinking of Jim with lovely memories. Always made me smile.
Sending our deepest condolences to the family.
Thinking of you,
Cathy and Sean Efford
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Our sincere condolences to all the family.
Marie King and family
So sorry to hear about your loss . Jim was a good man and will be sadly missed. Our heart felt condolences go out to you all at this sad time.
Cathy and family
We are deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. . We always enjoyed our many talks with you both while they were roommates at the Veterans Pavilion . Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Kathy, Linda and all the Hearn family
My sincere condolences to the Hodder family. Jim was a true gentleman and a good person. It was a pleasure to have known him and to have served with him.
Cathy and family.
I am so very sorry for your loss
Whenever I think of Jim I remember his smile
What a sweetheart!
He served our province so proudly Well done Jim, Rest In Peace
My condolences Jim. Thinking of you and how often and fondly you spoke about your dad during our get togethers over the years..
Bruce
Jim – I’m thinking of you and sending sincere condolences on your father’s passing. I know how much he meant to you. Please extend my sympathies to the whole family. May his memory be a blessing to you all.
Cathy and family, so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We have many memories of fun times over the years. Rest in peace, Jim.
Cathy and Family,
We have lost a great citizen of our Province and our Country, and his family and friends have lost a dearly loved person.
I first saw Jim in 1959 at the common room of the old university on Parade Street when in walks Jim – the cock of the walk – leading a group of similarly disposed individuals. Someone suggested that his blithe, cavalier behavior might not be fitting for the son of the Mayor of Port aux Basques, but I fully approved!
We next met at the Porthole Tavern on Water Street in 1961 when Jim was part of the gathering while I was holding forth on various trivia topics. We forged a deep friendship that year and became practically inseparable. We shared several apartments in 1963 and both led active social lives which became the basis for many stories told and retold over the years since.
In 1967 we worked together on site development prior to the start of construction at Churchill Falls, where we majored in poker.. We were there when Premier Smallwood declared “This is OUR river!” meant as a pep talk for Newfoundlanders, a couple of whom took him at his word and got themselves fired when they confronted their Quebec foremen.
In 1969 we worked day and night on the Port au Port area Crosbie Campaign for the Liberal leadership, where 100% success was achieved!
Subsequently we both found our way into the House of Assembly where we served together, not always in the same party.
I have always maintained that Jim had a genius for politics, and had an uncanny ability to ascertain exactly what the people wanted. He was able to consistently deliver to their satisfaction. He was never defeated, and indeed, no one ever really came close to him in the vote. He was truly a man of the people of Port au Port.
He served for a time as the Editor of the weekly newspaper, the Georgian, founded by Jim and Don Powell and myself in 1970. He wrote clever and witty editorials, and eventually became sole owner for several years until his political career made that endeavor very difficult. He then sold the Georgian, but the strong foundation we had built together led it to continue its existence for 30 years, until it was absorbed by its largest competitor, the Western Star.. Jim and I considered this to be a sad loss for the area.
He was a great friend, best man at our wedding, and Cheryl and I will truly miss him.
Fred (Stagg)
Catherine & members of the Hodder Family
Please accept my sincerest condolences on Jim’s passing .I certainly enjoyed my many conversations with Jim over the last couple of years when I worked at the Veterans Pavilion .His knowledge in general of Newfoundland and Labrador was limitless .It was such a pleasure to have had the opportunity to meet and know him . Rest in peace
Sandy and family:
Very sorry to hear about Jim’s passing he was a well respected member of the House of Assembly. He lived by the Kin motto “Serving the community’s greatest need”.
Yours in Kin.
Jim Fitzgerald
Cathy, Sincere sympathy to you and all your families. We remember both of you very fondly. Cherish the good memories.
So sad to hear news of Jim’s passing. Was proud to serve with him in the HOA. Please accept my sincere sympathy. Roger Fitzgerald.
Cathy and the Hodder family,
Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. It was a pleasure to have known Jim and serve with him in the House of Assembly back in the 80’s. He was very committed to the people of the Port Au Port district as he served them for both political parties. May your many great memories bring you all comfort in the days ahead.
In sympathy and friendship,
Milton and Joan Peach, Carbonear
Whenever possible, Jim would attend our high school reunions, representing the teachers. When he couldn’t attend, he would send greetings for us to read out at our dinners. I will miss our catch-ups, intermittent though they were. As an adult, I appreciated his sense of humour and intelligence. He will be fondly remembered at our next reunion I’m sure. Rest in peace Jim and may your family stay strong in their memories.
Cathy, immediate and extended family
Saddened to hear that Jim has passed. He was well known, respected and has a knack for door to door campaigning that served him well over the years. He will be remembered as a formidable opponent while campaigning and once elected ,as a person who put the interest of his constituents first. While campaigning he would keep the residents in the district informed virtually every day of his whereabouts and the issues that were brought to his attention.We will remember that many chats and laughs we had with him over the years.
Our sincere condolences to his immediate, extended family and friends. We will remember him in prayer and may he Rest In Peace.
Cathy, immediate and extended family
Saddened to hear that Jim has passed. He was well known, respected, had a knack for door to door campaigning and keeping voters abreast of the issues that they brought to his attention.. He will be remembered as a formidable opponent while campaigning and once elected as a politician who put his constituents first
Our sincere condolences to his family . We will remember him in prayer and may he Rest In Peace..
A legend, and a success story , are but two of the ways to describe Jim Hodder . I knew this man for my entire life , as far back as I can remember , Jim Hodder , was a household name . My fathers best friend , someone my dad truly loved . You didn’t have to try to love this guy , and my spirits have been low since I heard of his passing . Our entire family was blessed by knowing this man , and we hold dear , so many memories . My utmost and most heartfelt condolences , from the Callahan family , Dave Callahan ……….PS , I know two friends have been reunited , they are located , in the place we all want to go ,,,,,, just not right now . Uncle Jim , I loved being your personal chauffeur, Rip
I was saddened to hear of Jim’s passing, My condolences to his family..
Catherine and all of Jim’s family we send our deepest condolences on your loss. May your memories help you all through these difficult times.
Cathy and the Hodder Families,
It is, without doubt, with great sadness that we learn of Jim’s passing.. He was a very passionate and personable person whom we have known for decades. He certainly left a very positive impression on our district and it seemed that everyone knew ‘Jim Hodder’.
Our deepest condolences to all.
Cathy, John , & Families
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We have great memories of our times spent together, especially in ‘the good old days.’ Rest in peace, dear friend.
Love,
Bill & Gayle
Catherine, Sandy and families, thinking of you all at this sad time. We hope the touching tributes of Jim’s life and achievements, from people all across the province, offers some comfort to you.
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends at difficult time.
The Mason Family
(June, Gary, Melanie and David)
Dear Catherine & Families:
Our sincerest sympathies on the passing of Jim.
May his memory be a blessing.
Nancie & Andy Psomopoulos
Brampton, ON
Sincere sympathy to Jim’s family and friends! We were friends growing up in Port aux Basques and had many good times together with lots of friends}!!
John, Mary and family, I was saddened to learn of Jim’s passing. He was a man of character who served his province faithfully. May God grant him eternal rest.
Kindest wishes,
Kevin
John, I’m thinking of you at this difficult time. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. RIP Jim
To Cathy, Carla, James, Tommy and extended family Perry and I are thinking of you in time of loss. We spent lot of time with Jim over years and he was a great Friend
To Catherine & all families: Jim leaves a wonderful example and legacy for all to aspire toward when you consider Jim’s varied careers and all the roles filled during his lifetime and his contributions to NL public life. We are all thankful for the full and giving life Jim lived and shared. Sending our sympathy to all of you on Jim’s passing.
Marc & family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your grandfather. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you and your family during this time.
John (and family) I was sorry to hear of your brother Jim’s death. He had a very full and rewarding life. He made a significant contribution to the public life of the province of which you can be proud. My sincere condolences..
Jim Adams
We were sad to read that Jim has passed away. The many roles in which Jim served and his numerous accomplishments are well documented. As folks who have know Jim since the 1960’s, we are glad to add one aspect that shone through in whatever he did. Jim was a very kind and considerate person. Condolences to all the family.
Cathy and Family,
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I have many great memories of time spent around our kitchen table in Stephenville. He was truly one of a kind and an amazing story teller. RIP
Dear Catherine,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, Jim. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Sympathies.
Catherine, Sandy, Kerry, Marc and Ian:
So sorry to hear about Jim’s death. We have fond memories of chatting with him at family gatherings. Thinking of you all.
Marie, Colin, Mitch and Kathleen
Cathy sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I asked of Jim often to his brother John. John always spoke of Jim’ enormous faith so we know who he is with know.
Sincere sympathy to the Hodder family. Rest in peace Jim.
Catherine and Family
It was a pleasure to have known and cared for Mr. Hodder. He will be missed. Thinking of you all during this sad time.
Cathy and Family:
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Catherine, Jo-Anne, Sandy, Gord and families. So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Carla & Family
We are sorry to hear of your fathers passing. Our deepest sympathy to you all.
Sincerely
Llew & Kay
My deepest sympathy to the family..
Although we never met.. his mom was very special to me.
Catherine and family,
Sending you all heartfelt condolences. I hope all your wonderful memories created over the years will comfort you during this most difficult time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers..
Jana, Glenn Sullivan and family.
Jim and family, our sincere condolences on the passing of your dad. We know you have great memories of your dad’s wonderful life. Thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers,
Frank and Heather Ryan
So sad to hear of Jim’s passing my thoughts and prayers are with Cathy and the family at this difficult time????????
John and family: So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers .
Woodrow and Shirley French
Dear Cathy,
Our friend Doreen Dinn was kind enough to let me know of Jim’s passing.. It’s been a long time since we worked together at NPB but I remember Jim, as a great guy with a true Newfoundland spirit. I’m so sorry for your loss and send my condolences to you and your family. Take care.
Janice
Jim and family,
I was very sorry to hear the news about your Jim. I met him in 2003 when he re-entered politics, and I was editor of the Georgian. We hit it off right away. I always enjoyed my time spent with him. He was a straight shooter, and I appreciate so much how he helped me in a number of ways, small and large. I have very fond memories of him., as many others do too. May he rest in peace.
To Cathy, Jim,Tom, Carla, and all members s of Jim’s extended family. So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim and I go back decades. We were neighbours, fellow Kinsmen, but most of all Good Friends. I used to write articles for him in the Georgian, Campaigned with him on the Peninsula and even put a Fright into a scattered bottle of Captain Morgan together. Haven’t seen a lot of Jim in recent years due to geography etc. but have remained friends. Please accept my most sincere condolences
MEL MOORES
Carla, Jack and Kate,
My condolences on the loss of your dad / grandfather. What an interesting life he lived! Undoubtedly he left a mark on the lives of many people and his absence will be felt far and wide. Thinking of you all during this difficult time and hoping you find moments of comfort in your memories.. Talk care – God bless.
So sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. Our deepest Sympathy & Condolences to Catherine & the Hodder Family …….especially to John & Family. May Jim Rest In Peace & Perpetual Light. God Speed.