First of here is the link to his full Obituary with a picture.
http://www.svherald.com/articles/2006/10/0...aries/obit2.txt
My Brother
James Robert Hodgson was a prankster, a joker, a caring person with a big heart, but most of all is my hero, friend, and brother.
It all started last Saturday. I called James every Saturday, but on this day he did not answer. Instead Heather answered and she said I am sorry I have bad news. My mind started racing and I prayed Jim was ok. When she said he was gone I felt my heart ripped from my chest. I had to stop what I was doing and take a knee. While I was down on my knee with head bowed I pictured in my head the all too familiar set of boots with rifle inverted, dog tags hanging and a helmet resting on the butt stock of the rifle, with a man calling Jim’s name three times. After Jim gave no answer taps was played.
That is how James should be honored. He may never have worn a uniform, but he was a warrior and a hero. I struggled with how to put this together, for there are no words that could truly do James justice. He is the greatest person I have ever known. His generosity knew no bounds, putting others before him self was what he did. James epitomized loyalty, selflessness, and honor.
On July 6th 2003 at around 0400 my family and I suffered a house fire that destroyed everything but the clothes on our backs. Later that night I posted a message to my friends on an internet forum what had happened and I would be gone for a few days. James responded simply by saying “Wow… this sucks man. You got my cell number, call if you need anything.” When I hadn’t called him by the next morning he had called me and the first thing he asked was what does Cheyenne (my daughter) need? He then wanted to know what me and my wife needed. Jim refused to leave me alone till I told him what Cheyenne would need and what he could do for us. In the end Jim sent an undisclosed amount of money (undisclosed because it would belittle the gesture) to me and my family. Here he is a man who has never met me in person in his life and he so easily and willingly to me and mine. For weeks afterwards he would call almost everyday to see how we where doing and just to talk and be supportive.
In May of 2004 my unit received its orders for deployment to Iraq. Instantly James was like no don’t go. He wanted me to do anything and everything I could not too go, but he also understood how I felt about my duties to the nation and its people. From then all the way till I deployed in September 2004 he was constantly asking what do you need, is there anything I can get you to take with you what do you want me to send you while you are out there. While deployed to the nation of Iraq I would talk to Jim at least once a week and he would send letters and care packages for me and my soldiers. Even when most would shy away and try to act like the war isn’t going on, Jim was proud to know and support the nation’s soldiers. He knew that a lot of us in uniform don’t support the war either, but we are doing our duty to the nation we have sworn to protect.
These are only two of the most memorable events about James I wanted to share. There have been so many more, too many to tell quite frankly. For the past 6 years we leaned on each other and helped each other through some tough times, he is and always be the best friend I have ever had and the brother I never did have.
James was a great humanitarian and as I said before there is nothing I can say that could ever measure up to how great he really was, nor is there anything I could do to pay homage to him for all he has done for me and my family. I just wish we could have gotten together just one time so I could have told him truly how much he meant too me, some how I think he already knew, but still it would have been privilege to tell him in person.
To his mother and family I thank you for bringing James up in this world and sharing him with all of us. I have had no greater privilege or honor in my life than knowing and being friends with James and I promise you he will not go forgotten nor what he has taught me will go forgotten, unused, or unshared. I will pass on his legacy and can only hope I do him some justice in some way.
You will always be remembered Jim. Till we meet again in the sky you take care brother, I will miss you sorely.
Brandon Edward "Kindred" Rice
Sergeant US Army