16 years after he passed. Just a very quick reflection. My sister had become a teenager in my almost 7 years  in Austin. I remember sitting in the audience when she was on stage with Uncle Jay. It's buried way back there in the fog of my memory, but it still shines on through on occasion.  Rest in Peace, Robert Mark Jay "Uncle Jay" Hodgson.


To the Hodgson Family. 
Thank you for being there! I have very fond memories of Uncle Jay. 
His contributions to a little kid growing up in Temple, Texas will continue to have a special place in my heart and thoughts. God bless you anf Uncle Jay... RIP!





To the Hodgson Family.
Thank you  for being there! I have very fond memories of Uncle Jay.
His contributions to a little kid growing up in Temple, Texas will continue to  have a special place in my heart and thoughts. God bless you anf Uncle Jat... RIP!



Dear Hodgson Family-My condolences on the loss of your husband/father. Some of my fondest memories about my time in Texas were the weekends out at the ranch.  Like Beverly Nolt, Jay taught me dominoes and we all sat on the back porch-listening to the soothing and peaceful water in the fountain.  I also remember the time that we all went out on the boat...and got stuck in the mud.  I sincerely appreciated that Jay, BW, and the family welcomed me so warmly into their home since my family was so far away.  My deepest thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.  All my warmest affection, Valerie



BW, Wayne, Wes, Denise and Debbie-  My sincere condolences to you all.  I remember fondly my interactions with Jay, especially during visits to your place in the country.  Jay taught me how to play dominoes, had great stories and always had excellent suggestions on great books to read.  I loved relaxing on your porch with him and watching the birds in the pasture.  Jay was also my landlord when I lived with Wayne and Wes in the Hodgson family home on Reese Lane.  I was glad to be able to attend the well-deserved tribute to him at the TV station.  He was one of a kind and I feel honored to have known him.  Regards, Bev



My family and I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Hodgson family at this time.  We grew up watching Uncle Jay and Packer Jack and it was a special treat when Linda and her cousin got to be on the Uncle Jay Show for their birthdays.  I remember sitting up in the booth with the rest of the families wishing I could be down in the bleachers with the other kids.  But I later was fortunate enough to go on air with Jay on his Bulletin Board 7 program to promote a function at McCallum for the Bicentennial.  He treated us with a lot of respect and courtesy amd made sure each of us were comfortable before going on in front of the camera.  Even though this was another program, he still was Uncle Jay to me and I listened very carefully to his instructions.  The best time we had was when we got our first color tv and saw the Uncle Jay Show in color.  It took a few days to get used to the change from black and white to the colors of the set, but we still had fun.  Thank-you for allowing your husband and father to become "our" Uncle Jay and to share his talent and love for all of us kids here in Austin.  He was a true pioneer and someone we could all trust and learn from.  Uncle Jay will always be in our hearts and minds for all that he gave us to hope for.  There will never be another like him.  God Bless Jay and all of you too!



Our prayers are with your family. My family will always remember Uncle Jay in our hearts. I have a family member that was on the show, and they remember how much fun and how much of a true friend Uncle Jay was to all the children.    I sincerely wish that the shows would be transfered to a DVD collection and made available to the public for all of today's childrens to enjoy.



To Mrs. Hodgson and family,  Please accept my sincerest condolences for your loss. I was deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Hodgson's passing. In the early 1960s, I was on the "Uncle Jay Show" and to this day it is one of my most cherished memories. He was very patient and kind to those of us on the show and afterward in the elevator he told us how much he enjoyed our being on the show with him. He was very gracious to us and our parents after the show taking time to say goodbye to each one of us. He was a wonderful part of Austin history and a true gentleman.  Sincerely,  Harold Raines



Barbara, Denise, Wesley, Wayne, Debbie and Jaryd  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  I have many fond memories of time spent with your family as we grew up together.    One of my favorite memories I have of Uncle Jay was when he and my Dad (Elmo Brown)surprised me at elementary school on my 12th birthday, in that wonderful car with the rumble seat!  In front of all my friends, Uncle Jay and Dad, drove me away sitting in that seat waving as if I was Miss America.  What a special day!    And the other special memory I have of Jay is the way he would call me Phyl and act as if I was one of his favorite young people.  I felt like he really was my uncle!    Our hearts are with you at this time.



I'm a "native Austinite" born in  1949. I think it was in 1956 when I  was on the "Uncle Jay Show" and re-  ceived a dump truck as a birthday  gift. I still have it! I watched the show every day, even as I got older realizing how he treated childrenin a positive way as he did from the first day on air!  Jack Wallace was a good match on the show. I remember when he wore  a hankerchif on his so he could grow a real beard instead a fake  beard! KTBC done very well to  cater to the very young! I will always  remember "Uncle Jay."              Ken



Wes,    I want to express my sincere condolences to you and the rest of your family.  May God be with you and your family in this very difficult time.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.



Barbara, Denise, Wesley, Wayne, Debbie and Jaryd,    Our thoughts and prayers to your family!    Daron and Joe



Wes, so sorry to hear about your Dad.  Know that I am thinking of you.



i worked with jay in 1978 during my first job in television.  he was a professional with years of experience and i was a wet-behind-the-ears kid still in college.  yet he always treated me as one of the gang.    jay will be missed by many...



I don't think I ever missed a day of tuning in. Uncle Jay was a big part of what made my childhood such a happy one. You helped to make better adults and a better world. You are loved and will be missed. But the sun and the stars now shine a little brighter with you in the heavens.



To the Hodgson family.  We're very sorry to hear about your loss. Your family are in our thoughts and prayers.     May God give your family strength through this difficult time.       Krag Nordyke & Andrew Rodriguez  Doyle & Ruby Nordyke  Brian & Robin Pugh



Wes and family,    My deepest sympathies on your loss.      Maria Vega



I also knew Uncle Jay as a kid. It was later in my life that I remember one certain thing....The "lesson" I got pitching horseshoes with him at the ranch...Hugs to my life long best friend Denise, my "sister" Debbie, "brothers", Wayne and Wes....and of course Barbara.



Barbara, Dear,     While there are many thousands of people out there who fondly remember "Uncle Jay" and who will be offering sincere condolences to the family, I was, as you know, one of the many who were fortunate enough to know and work with Jay over a period of several years. During that time, I spent may hours with him.  At work, he was the consumate professional and did whatever job he was asked to do.  But I especially enjoyed the personal time we had together with the rest of the KTBC family. Jay will always hold a special place in my memories.  You and the kids are in our prayers.



Dear Denise and family,    Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  Jay will live on in our happy memories of him.    Sincerely,  Pat and Stan Briggs



Hodgson Family, Your dad was such a major part of my much younger years, yes by being on the Uncle Jay show but on a more personal level. I enjoyed spending weekends with your family at the Ranch and Uncle Jay laughing at me and Denise trying to ride a horse, I have very fond memories of those times in the country. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.



With role models like Uncle Jay, growing up was a positive experience. The ideals and integrity that he passed along helped us to navigate storms and appreciate the privilege of growing up in Austin. Thanks for sharing him with all of us.



Wes,  I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.  God bless, Mitra Kookma



I, like so many others, was on the Uncle Jay show.  It was the greatest form of entertainment for us in the 50's and 60's.  I saw Uncle Jay a few years ago at an Aqua Festival event and was very saddened to learn none of the shows were taped.  It would be so much fun to be able to relive a simpler time in our lives.  My condolences to his family; Austin has lost a true icon.



I remember "Uncle Jay" with great affection when we both worked at KTBC. He was a loyal friend and dedicated staff member. My Mother will be sad to learn of his passing.



Wes,  I am very sorry to hear about your loss.  You and your family are in my prayers.    May God give you and your family strength through this difficult time.    Susana



Wesley and Family,  I'm so sorry to hear about your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.



I had the privilege of watching Jay all throughout my childhood and then working with him at the station in my early career from 1973 to 1978.     He was always a gentleman and a professional.  I remember his unfailing willingness to work with me and advise me as I began my career.    I remember him fondly.  May he rest in peace.



My condolences to the family of Jay Hodgson.  Uncle Jay was always like the community television icon of family entertainment during the afternoons here in Austin, that is when Austin was still the small capitol city it used to be way back when with only one TV station.  Anyone who grew up here in Austin during the time of his show probably could identify with the Uncle Jay Show, or Mother's Delight, as Jay was doing his program with Packer Jack. His after school program was probably one of the mose popular watched programs, that is for those folks that were fortunate enough to afford a black and white TV.  If you didn't have a TV, you could always go over to someother neighbor's house and watch his show.  Therefore, I will always remember his show as being one of the initial historical icons in the  history of Austin's original television entertainment.    May God Bless                     Allan Becker



Thank you "Uncle Jay" for all those shows and teaching us values that would hopefully make us good citizens as we grew up. I enjoyed every minute even after I thought I was too old to admit that I still watched "Uncle Jay"



Wes, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time.  Please know that your father touched so many young lives (including mine).  I remember being on the Uncle Jay Show and what a thrill it was!!  I have fond memories of your dad and I appreciate our friendship.      Bless you and your family,    Randy Deavers



My condolences go out to the family of Jay Hodgson, but I am so pleased to have grown up with Uncle Jay in my early life! He has given very much to us all! I can say with some certainly that the Uncle Jay Show (and other efforts at KTBC-TV) integrated Austin's airways prior to the integration of some other well-known public spaces, such as Barton Creek Pool. This will sound strange, but it's the truth: When I appeared on the birthday presentation, I had never been around so many white folks in my life, mostly children just like me but different from me. (Another scary moment for me was meeting Packer Jack face-to-face!) Uncle Jay was always open and friendly to me and all the children on his show, just an excellent role model. Is it any wonder that I have sorta followed in his footsteps, and today I, also, work in television? I am so pleased to have encountered my idol from early-on at a local store several years ago and got to tell him in person how much I appreciate Jay Hodgson! You know, he acted like he had heard this kind of praise many times before. It's hard to stop, even now.



"Uncle Jay" was a BIG deal as we were growing up. All of us would gather round the TV and watch EVERY DAY to see who was having a birthday. He was a great guy and made many wonderful memories for myself and my friends growing up. He made Austin, Texas a special place to grow up. Thank you "Uncle Jay"



Debbie,   My condolences to you and Jaryd and your entire family.



Wes, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  God grants us many blessings in life, and your Father was one of them.  God's peace.



Wes,   My condolences to you and your family. I am truly sorry for your loss.    Sincerely,    Julie



Thank you Uncle Jay. I will always remember you with love for the hours of joy and fun you provided throughout my childhood.You touched many people's lives in a profound way. With love



Sincere condolences to the family of Uncle Jay, who provided a safe and friendly place for kids after school in the warmth of their own home.  I watched "The Uncle Jay Show" religiously from about 1955 until 1965, or so, and even thereafter when the daily show became a Saturday only.  I still repeat one of the homey aphorisms Uncle Jay gave us when I tell people that "Friday is the best day of the week, because tomorrow is Saturday!" reinforcing a pretty adult understanding that anticipation if more fun than the actual event.  I and a younger brother appeared on the show at least twice.  The smallest child in my family, Jim, appeared only once and once was enough, since he left the studios in a shambles at the age of 4 in 1962!  Just to let you know, I can still hum the introductory themesong and can give a reasonable imitation of both Packer Jack and Wentworth's buzzer.  Honestly, I often wondered where Uncle Jay was, and am thankful to him for being our reliable friend through the years.  I have to admit that I am surprised he was only twenty years older than I am...



Dear Hodgson Family,  I send heartfelt condolences to all of you on your loss.  Your family has a special place in my heart. Thank you for sharing your husband and father with the whole of Austin through his TV career.  Sincerely,  Marty Orozco



I grew up watching "Uncle Jay" on TV and fondly remember his gentle nature and fun ways. He was a wonderful influence on my life. I wish there were more programs like his for kids today. He will always be remembered by his devoted fans, now the 50 something generation.



My sincere condolences to the Hodgson family.  Very fond memories of growing up with "Uncle Jay"  I went to high school with Wayne and Wes and remember crusing with them, Harold, Bobby and the rest of the gang.  It had been years since seeing any of you, but I saw Wayne and Debbie at church a couple of months ago and was nice to catch up a little.  God bless each of you. I am very sorry for your loss.



When you think of Jay, you can help but think of the good old days of Austin.  Jay enjoyed life to its fullest and he made working on television a fun time.  We'll all miss you.



Growing up in an Austin that was very different and more peaceful than today, Jay Hodgson (Uncle Jay)was one of the most memorible parts of my childhood. I remember the first TV we had in 1956 and watching the Uncle Jay Show. What a great memory to have when looking back at ones childhood. My sincere condolences to the Hodgson family. I will miss him with fond memories.



Barbara, the Kellam and Mayo families remember Jay with affection.  He and Princess were among the first TV 'personalities' in Austin, when TV was a good influence on everybody.  We were lucky to know him.



Barbara, Wayne,Wesley, Denise,Debbie,  I do remember the wonderful Hodgson  family. I hold dear the memories  we made living on Reese Lane. Uncle  Jay always had time for us. When there weren't enough kids for the  show he would come get Wayne and I  from school to be on the program.   I do still remember that Wayne and I  share the same birthday. Love all of you . Pleae send me an email to  let me  know how things are going.  Love  Connie Sue Stone Kinnard



Thank You Uncle Jay for being a compassionate and morale person   during the late 60's era. You were so kind to everyone. I was so excited to be on TV for my birthday and getting a nice present from the 'frog'. May God Bless You and my prayers are with the Hodgson family.



For lots of us kids of the Fifties & Sixties in Austin, Uncle Jay was a bigger & more influential media figure than anyone else in our childhood experience with that new thing called television.  Jay Hodgson played a regular & significant role in the social & character development of thousands of local children with his good humor & personable nature.  To so many of us, he was truly "our" Uncle Jay, and we miss him.



So long Uncle Jay. You and Packer Jack gave me many a happy time while growing up in Austin. I remember bringing a tiny, baby horned toad to your show. My first television interview!



I have such fond memories of growing up in an Austin with "Uncle Jay."  On February 8, 1962--my 8th birthday--I had the honor of being on the Uncle Jay show and getting to punch Wentworth and proudly announce, "Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time for the Huckleberry Hound."  All my friends were so jealous of me getting to be on TV.  What a great loss to the "kids" of Austin who grew up with Uncle Jay and to those who will never know an Austin that I knew.  I also had the privilege to work with his son, Wes, for many years.  My sincerest condolences to Wes and to the rest of the Hodgson family.



I am so sorry to hear of "Uncle Jay's" passing. Myself and 3 of my brothers (all in our late 40's) were on the show in the 60's numerous times for our birthdays. Jay and Packer Jack are still fond memories.



Wes,  Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Lean on your family and friends and let us help in these times. Randy and Debbie McDonald    (Mac band '78)



Uncle Jay and Cactus Pryor are the best known Austinites from the 50's. Uncle Jay will be remembered for the happiness he brought to "every" child in Central Texas.



My condolences go out to the entire Hodgson family at this time. My thoughts go out to each of you. Jay was a good man, and will surely be missed.



Thanks to the Hodgson family for sharing "Uncle Jay" with the kids of Austin.  As a child, his program was wonderful entertainment and I have vivid memories of it 50 years later.



Debbie and Denise,    I'm so sorry to hear about your father.  My mother passed away just a few weeks ago and I know the pain and sorrow you are feeling.  My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.    Susan



Hodgsons, I'm so sorry to hear about Jay passing away.  I enjoyed so much coming over to your house and hanging around.  Then going out to the ranch to do some projects on the weekends.  Playing washers in the front yard was always fun.  Can't say that I ever saw much water in the "stream-beds" out there.  Then, of course, going to Salt Lake City and staying at Jay's parents house.  10 teenagers overrunning the house and going skiing.  I also remember the time Wayne and Jay came to visit in Colorado and we went skiing at Beaver Creek.  Even though Jay hadn't skiied in years (this must have been 25 years ago), he went skiing up and down those slopes.  We always had a good time with the Hodgson's.  Anyways, I'm in Austin and would love to visit if possible.  I can be reached at 335-7457.  The rest of the Foster's were over here tonight and they send their condolences also.    Love Robert and Lois and the family.



Uncle Jay was full of life and fun.  He had a great ski boat back in the day and would take the camera crew out on it for a spin around Lake Austin from time to time. Jay would take us from the station in his wonderful old Studebaker (I think?)and be back in time for The Uncle Jay Show at four. He and Packer Jack (Wallace) had a special chemistry. I will never forget the day the snakes got out and on the floor of the studio. He also had an old houseboat that John Buffington and I bought from him.  After one payment, he just gave it to us.  Jay will be missed.



Jay meant so much to so many.  He was our friend and colleague -- in the finest sense of both terms.  Connie and I offer deepest condolences to his family.  We'll all miss him.



My sincere condolances to the entire Hodgson family. It's been many years since I've seen any of you, but the fond memories of hanging out at the house or the ranch are still fresh in my mind!



There will always be an Uncle Jay!  God bless.



Denise,  Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.      With Love,  Dean, Will and Trent


OBITUARY

Robert Mark Jay Hodgson

24 October, 1928 – 27 May, 2007

Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services

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