Dr. James Thomas Hodges

Dr. James Thomas (Tom) Hodges of Burlington, NC passed away at the Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, Gordon Hospice House, after years of declining health. He is preceded in death by his parents, Filo Augustus Hodges and Irene Johnson Hodges. Born in Wilson, NC in 1937, he is survived by his four children, Gus (Nancy) Hodges of Greensboro, Tim (Tery) Hodges of Annapolis, MD and their children, Cara, Paul, Samantha and Ben, Margaret Hodges (Thom) Kincaid of Statesville and their daughter, Carter and James (Adrienne) Hodges of Lincolnton and their daughters, Olivia and Madeleine. He is also survived by his brother, William Russell Hodges of Cullowhee. Tom grew up in Wilson where his father was a chemistry professor at Atlantic Christian College and his mother was a teacher. In later years, his family moved to Cullowhee where his father retired as a professor from Western Carolina University. Tom received his undergraduate degree from Western and his medical degree from Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University. He then served in the US Navy as a general medical officer before completing a residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Scott and White Hospital in Temple, TX. He then went into private practice in Wilson. Later, he joined Kernodle Clinic in Burlington where he faithfully served the Alamance County community for over 25 years as an orthopedic surgeon. Tom volunteered his medical services through teaching First Aid at Alamance Community College and being a team doctor for Elon College and Walter M. Williams High School, his four children's alma mater. Tom was a diehard Wake Forest Demon Deacon fan and believed in supporting student athletes and their academics. His generosity provided scholarship opportunities for these students. He was a loyal member of the Deacon Club for over 40 years. In retirement, when Tom wasn't pulling for the Deacs, he enjoyed traveling abroad, extensively studying World History and spending time with his family. He was truly a loving father, father-in-law, grandfather and friend. His deep love for his family always included at least two or more four-legged children. Tom's peaceful, humble, gentle and generous spirit will be the legacy he leaves behind. The family would like to thank the providers and staff of the Gordon Hospice House of Statesville. Words cannot possibly describe the caliber of medical care and attention Tom and family received. Also, the family would like to recognize LeBauer Cardiology, Neurology, Endocrinology and Primary Care of Greensboro for their immense dedication to the health and well-being of Tom over so many years. Specifically, Dr. Stephen Klein and Dr. Jake Hochrein who both went above and beyond when it came to Tom's cardiology care. In addition, a heartfelt thank you to Carriage House Assisted Living and Memory Care for Greensboro for providing 24 hour care, kindness and understanding over the past four years. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, German Shepherd Rescue of NC or your local animal shelter. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com A private service will be held at Wake Forest University's Davis Chapel with burial following in Winston-Salem. Thank you to Nicholson Funeral Home, Statesville, NC for serving the family.