James Eric (Jim) HODDER

HODDER James Eric (Jim) Passed peacefully away on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at the Caribou Memorial Veterans Pavilion, James Eric (Jim) Hodder, age 80. Predeceased by parents Walter and Carrie (Caines) Hodder, step-daughter Cathy Ryan-McKeown, sister-in-law Marie Murphy and her husband Gerald and brother-in-law Jack Hall. Left with much sadness in their hearts are his loving wife and partner of 35 years, Catherine (Hall); his sons Jim and Thomas; his daughters Cheryl Schnegg (David) and Carla Hodder-Drake; his brother John (Mary). Also, mourning his loss are his step-children Jo-Anne Dowden (Brian), Sandra Donovan (Kerry), and Gordon Ryan (Denise); his 6 grandchildren, Eric, Abigail, Jack, Kate, Meghan and Mason, 5 step-grandchildren, Michael, Marc, Richard, Tracy and Ian, 5 step-great-grandchildren, Lily, Lucy, Liam, Logan and Lincoln; his sisters-in-law Bette Eavis, Sheila Lacey (Alex) and Cathy Hall. Jim was born in Burgeo on December 29, 1940 after his mother left Rose Blanche on the schooner in the late Fall before the ice came in. He had 2 birth certificates, one listing Burgeo as his place of birth and the other Rose Blanche. The family moved to Port aux Basques when his father Walter took a new teaching position, later becoming Mayor and then MHA for the district of LaPoile. After completing High School there Jim attended Memorial University where he graduated with a BA, B/Ed. One of his proudest accomplishments was completing the Officer Training Program and receiving his Commission in the Canadian Army. During the ensuing years Jim was Supervising Principal of several schools in the Stephenville area before becoming Principal of the new Integrated High School. He was President of the Stephenville Kinsmen Club, Founding President of the Stephenville Safety Council, Founding member of the Port aux Basques Kinsmen Club and an Executive member of the NL Teachers Association. In 1974 he retired from teaching and became co-owner and Editor of the Georgian newspaper. He entered politics in 1975, when he was elected as the MHA for Port au Port and subsequently re-elected 5 times. In a career that spanned 4 decades he served in various roles including Opposition House Leader, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier, Parliamentary Secretary, Resource Policy Committee of Cabinet and Minister of Cultural Affairs, Tourism and Historic Resources. He also served as Vice Chairman of the Flag Committee that brought us our Newfoundland and Labrador flag. Jim was privileged to have served almost 22 years as the Member of the House of Assembly representing the District of Port au Port for the Liberal and PC Parties. He loved the people of the district and became good friends with many, including Emile Benoit, a talented fiddle player who honoured Jim by composing the Jim Hodder Reel which is still played by many local musicians. Jim was a consummate reader as evidenced by the number of books in his library. The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the staff on VP3, Caribou Memorial.