Wooster mourns passing of James A. Hodges, professor emeritus of history
James A. Hodges, professor emeritus of history, passed away on Nov. 13, 2023, at the age of 91. Hodges served the College for nearly four decades, beginning as an instructor in the Department of History in the fall of 1962 before being promoted to assistant professor in 1964, associate professor in 1967, and professor in 1973, eventually retiring in 1998.
Hodges’s research focused on American history from 1929, with a particular focus on economics and the history of the southern United States, and he taught courses in U.S. history, presidential leadership, and American labor history. He was a member of a variety of academic organizations, including the Southern History Association, American Historical Association, American Association of University Professors, and Ohio Academy of History, among others.
Emeritus professor Hodges with his wife, Mary Hodges
Hodges had a passion for engaging with his students and the community around him, encouraging voter engagement among students and opening dialogues on political issues on national and local levels. He saw issues of equity and justice as central to his teaching and community and put these ideals into practice as a member of the Wooster City Council for two terms. Hodges also developed a course known as Leadership: Theory and Practice, in which students learned about leadership from an interactive, multidisciplinary perspective. This course gave students the opportunity to learn how leadership works on a theoretical level, interact with leaders of national consequence, and apply what they learned in and out of the classroom.
Prior to his arrival at the College, Hodges served as an assistant professor of history at Memphis State University. He received his bachelor’s degree in history and economics from the University of North Alabama. He then went on to receive a master’s degree and doctorate from Vanderbilt University.
Hodges is remembered as an engaging, dedicated professor who made lifelong impacts on his students, encouraging critical thought and debate rather than rote memorization of facts. As trustee Peter Sundman ’81 wrote in a post on the College website in April of 2022, “my academic experience was guided by exceptional faculty like Professor Emeritus James Hodges, who also served as my I.S. advisor. He was just one of the many faculty and staff who made a lasting impact in my life through their teaching and dedication.”
Jim Hodges is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Mary Hodges, their three children and two grandchildren.
Posted in News on January 18, 2024.
