We Remember
HODGETTS, James Henry
April 7, 1930 — July 18, 2021
“A country is in mourning, a veteran died today.”
Surrounded by family at the Hospice House Kelowna, James Hodgetts passed away on July 18, 2021, at age 91. Jim was one of six children born during the Depression to the late Howard & Winnifred Hodgetts. Emily Carr was Jim’s Godmother. The family lived in Popkum and Steveston, and in later years he lived on Vancouver Island, in the Kootenays, and in the Cariboo. Jim’s early career was working as a tugboat mate. He joined the Canadian Merchant Marine Navy, as a teenager, in WWII, sailing on the Mohawk Park in the Pacific. In 1956, he joined the Vancouver Police Department. Upon retirement, he worked in the hotel and tourism industries, operating Lee’s Corner at Hanceville, as a motel owner in Salmo, a Regional Director for Sandman Inns, and as Director of Cariboo Tourist Association. All these roles were done with his characteristic sense of humour.
Jim was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Jessie; his siblings Florence, Winnie, Elsie and Gordon. And, he is forever alive in the love of his surviving family: his brother George; sister-in-law Norma Carswell; his children Karen (Francis), Dianna (Tom), Janice (Brian), and Tammy (Jon); grandchildren Adrian, Jamie, Michael, Victoria, Mathew, Brendan, and Breanna; and great-grandchildren Charlotte, Hunter, Ethan, Everly, Adalyn, Jimmy, Darlene, Aubrey, and Bram.
“Home is the sailor, Home from the sea
And the hunter home from the hill”
A Celebration of Life is planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kelowna hospice volunteers at COHA (Central Okanagan Hospice Association) or email at carmen@hospicecoha.org.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
I was so sorry to hear this news. I like to think mum, Auntie Flo, Uncle Gordon, Auntie Elsie are together laughing that Hodgetts laugh. Hugs and Love to all of you
Carole
Thanks Carole.
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
Thank you for taking the time to send this message.
Dear family of Jim. At Northwood Jim was someone who always said
hello & with his cheerful presence made you feel like a friend. He was cheerful and easy to get along with at activities here at NW. I will remember him from Card Bingo. His presence on Remembrance Day here was special. It was easy to take pride in those who took pride in serving our country like he did. May he rest in Peace! God bless ALL of you as you lay him to rest. Betty Yarrow
Thanks Betty for your kind words. We have sent the obituary to Northwoods so the residents can see the post and reply if they wish. We’d appreciate it, if you would share this information. Thank you.
R.I.P. I am Howard’s brother, Ernest’s daughter.
I met Howard when he visited us in Surrey. I have his unpublished autobiography in typed pages.
Thank you Ann.
I had the good fortune to have shared some time with Jim on learning that he had retired in Kelowna. What a pleasant and cheerful person to share a coffee and talk about the ‘old days’ riding a Harley with the Vancouver Police Traffic Division!
May he ride in the sky on his way to Heaven!
With love and respect..
Thank you Phillip, what a lovely sentiment!