James Perry Hodnett

Jimmy was the son of Foy Edmond Hodnett and Edna Eugenia Hodnett. He graduated from South Oak Cliff High School in 1966, and shortly after, he joined the United States Navy in 1967, where he served with honor for four years as an aircraft mechanic. He served close to two of those years in Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, and was honorably discharged in 1971. After his time in the Navy, he worked alongside his father in construction, eventually embarking on a 37 year career in commercial construction. Jimmy worked for J.W. Bateson, Bateson, Centex, and Balfour Beatty Construction. He was a dedicated and hardworking man who found great pride in his work. He held his coworkers in high regard, with many becoming like family to him over the years.

In 1999, Jimmy married the love of his life, Sandi Richardson Hodnett. Together, they built a beautiful life in Plano, TX. Their love story was filled with shared adventures, from dancing together to riding bikes and capturing memories through photography. Jimmy also loved to hunt deer, pheasant, and duck. He enjoyed his role as chef at the company Deer Lease and was certain he made the best gravy. He proudly supported the Red Raiders and Oklahoma State Cowboys, cheering on his teams with passion. Jimmy also had the prestigious role of dishwasher and fondant maker for Sandi's RedHead Cakes business, where he lovingly supported her and his love for all things chocolate.

Upon his retirement, Jimmy found fulfillment in giving back to the community. He began volunteering at "The Hill," a benevolent group through his church, Hunters Glen Baptist Church. There, he formed lasting friendships that supported both him and Sandi throughout his long battle with Parkinson's disease. His selflessness, strength, and ability to brighten the lives of those around him were apparent to all who had the honor of knowing him.

Although Jimmy’s career was very important to him, he was a devoted father and grandfather. He was known for his warm heart, his sense of humor, and his love for his family. He was a caring father to his children and a proud Papaw to his grandchildren, often finding joy in the simplest moments spent with them. His love and presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jimmy is survived by his wife Sandi and beloved children, Mike and Sharon Hodnett of Edmond, OK, Heather and Brandon Cromwell of Yukon, Ok, Kyle Howard of Lubbock, TX and Jodi and Ken Gregory of Mariposa, AZ. His cherished grandchildren, Chloe, Hayden, Tehia, Aaron, Mark, Sierra, Jordan, and great-grandchildren Gavi, Nora, Abbott, Eli, and Ivy. He is also survived by his siblings, Sandria Bice, Sharon Medford, and Bubba Hodnett, and numerous extended family members, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of Jimmy’s life will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 2:00pm, at Hunters Glen Baptist Church with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Dallas Area Parkinson Society or Hunters Glen Baptist The Hill Community Center (checks can be made to Hunters Glen with a notation in the memo “The Closet”). Both were close to Jimmy’s heart. Jimmy will be laid to rest at Resthaven Funeral Home in Lubbock, TX.

Jimmy’s legacy of hard work, love for family, and unwavering kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. If he were here today, he would tell us all that, “it will be alright”. He knew our Lord and Savior and he is now joining Him and all the many saints that went before him. So he is right, “It will be alright”. Well done, good and faithful servant. Well done. Matthew 25:21