Rev. James Brian "J.B." Hodge Funeral Program

James was born on December 14, 1940, weighing 14 pounds and five ounces, to Jonas Hodge (he passed two weeks before his birth) and Beatrice Mangum. He was reared by Beatrice and his stepfather, Jack Cooley Roberts. As the oldest of seven children, he assisted in rearing his young siblings and his cousins under his mother's guardianship.

James attended Harper High School where he excelled in football and was known for his superior athletic abilities. His peers have stated that his grandson Khadarel plays with those same skills. He graduated from Piney Woods Country Life School.

James saw and met Annie Ruth Gray in the halls of Harper High School. She was wearing a pink and black poodle skirt, and he knew at that moment that she would be his wife. James and Annie married on December 12, 1961. To this beautiful union, six children were conceived: Melissa, Melanie, Jansen, Michelle, James, Jr., and Jeremy Hodge. The family unit expanded to include their daughter-in-love, Erica Griffin and their son-in-love, Robert Lockhart.

James was a hardworking man. He worked various jobs to provide for his family. He shared stories with his children about growing up during segregation and working for $50 a week. His jobs included: Dorm Parent-Mary Mac Hall, Piney Woods School; Security Officer, Mississippi State Hospital; and Security Officer, Boswell Regional Center. He retired early due to having a stroke that left him with a limp on his left side. After his stroke, people remarked that he still thought he was cool by trying to pimp walk.

James obtained his barber's license, and the family still hears the stories – "Your Dad used to cut my hair." During his leisure time, he coached baseball, hunted deer and rabbits, watched Westerns (Gunsmoke was one of his favorites), watched sports, and oh yes FEUD (Family Feud). On Sundays at 5:30 a.m., the TV must be tuned to Chanel 3 (WLBT) for him to watch Ray Magee's Voice of Goodwill.

James, along with Pastor Willie B. Hobbs, Jr., graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary on May 17, 2002. His love of God and Gospel music led he and Pastor Hobbs to establish Trinity Fellowship Church in Mendenhall in 2005. The family and former members treasure the memories of Trinity and the Powerhouse Trinity Choir. In his role as pastor, he was an integral part of the Simpson County Jail Ministry.

James was a lover of family gatherings.  He was a lover of FAMILY period. His grands and great grands could do nothing wrong. Oh, the things that they got away with which were never in a million years allowed with his children. The Hodge residence was one of the gathering places for the "Round the Block Kids." It wasn't all play because on Wednesday evenings we had Bible class, and everyone had their own Bible. If you came on Wednesday, you definitely had to stay for Bible class.

James, who stood at 6'3" and 250+ pounds, was proud, independent, and the Superhero of the Hodge Family. Losing the love of his life, his independence, and his many illnesses, took a toll on him. Nonetheless, he remained the Hodge Family's Superman. God saw better for him and relieved him of all the pain and silent heartaches on Friday, May 2, 2025. James is now a part of the Kingdom and reunited with his wife and family.

James was fondly known to family and friends as J.B., James, Daddy, PawPaw, Paw, Poppa, Pastor Hodge, Rev., Bruh Hodge or Bruh Jay. He leaves to cherish his memory: five children: Melissa, Melanie (Dennis) Rhodes, Michelle, James, Jr. (Victoria), and Jeremy; 11 grandchildren, Vonjon Pinkston, Darius (Erica) Rhodes, Vareion (Theresa) Hodge, Denzel Rhodes, Jarel (Shonda) Ross, Meghan Rhodes, Venyatha Norris, Khadarel Hodge, Khadijah Hodge, Morgan Rhodes (Michael) Smith, Jazelle Hodge, Ozias Ealy; 25 great grandchildren; two brothers, James Otis (Glenda) Roberts and Bennie James (Vivian) Roberts; sisters-in-law, Almeta Roberts, Wanda Roberts, and Linda Roberts; special friend, Ms. Rosa "Neat" Moore (or as he would say Ms. Harper High, who was a huge part of his life. We appreciate the many visits and phone calls. Michelle and Melanie would wake up late at night and ask Daddy, who are you laughing with this time of morning? It was a joy to meet you.)

James was preceded in death by his wife, Annie; his parents, Jonas, Beatrice, and stepfather, Jack Cooley; brothers, Nathaniel, Samuel, Jerome; sister, Jessie; son, Jansen; and granddaughter, Shaveria.