Jimmy R. Hodge

Jimmy R. Hodge, age 72, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully Monday evening, March 27, 2006 in the residence of his neighbor and friend, Paulette Weese.Born at Talcott, West Virginia, on January 31, 1934, he was a son of the late William and Gladys Garten Hodge. Jimmy relocated to the area when his late brother began operation of a former taxi company in the Dover New Philadelphia area. Prior to retirement, he worked in a variety of capacities, including that of a hacker Â? a brick maker — at Belden Brick of Sugarcreek. Aside from work Jimmy loved to garden and fish and was an avid reader. He so enjoyed the adventures penned by Louis Lamore, he once owned the complete set of Lamore’s writings. Ultimately, it was children who gave Jimmy greatest joy. He will be missed by the youngsters in his neighborhood and circle of friends who always got a smile and friendly words from Jimmy. Survivors include his daughter, Cathy McWhorter of Las Vegas, Nevada; a sister Mabel Kimble as well as two half brothers, Frankie (Betty) Webb and Don (Betty) Webb and his sister-in-law Nancy Hodge all of New Philadelphia; his friend Paulette Weese of New Philadelphia, and caregiver Tammy Hanson of New Philadelphia. Numerous friends and extended family from the area, as well as West Virginia and Canada also survive. Jimmy was preceded in death by his brother, William Hodge, and sister, Evelyn Duncan. Friends are invited to call Friday, March 31, from 4 until 7 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. The Rev. Sue Koenig will lead a celebration of Jimmy’s life Friday evening at 7 PM in the funeral home’s chapel. Following the service, family and friends will gather for a reception in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home. Cremation will follow through the care of the Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover OH 44622, or to the Schoenbrunn Community Moravian Church, 2200 East High Avenue, New Philadelphia OH 44663.