James Stanley Hodges, age 78, passed away on June 16, 2025, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Eupora, Mississippi. Stan was born in Starkville, MS on November 4, 1946, to Ben and Ina Mae Hodges.

Stan was a 1966 graduate of Eupora High School where he excelled in sports, especially on the football field. He furthered his football career at Holmes Junior College and Delta State University, where he obtained a BS degree in physical education. Throughout his early years, he developed lifetime friendships with whom he shared his love of the outdoors and community involvement. He was a passionate hunter and loved to fellowship with family and friends in the community at cookouts, where he liked to help with organizing the event and cooking. He loved bringing people together.

Stan started his career as a history teacher and a coach. He later started working at Natchez Trace Electric Power Association (NTEPA) where he worked for forty-five years until his retirement. During his time at NTEPA, he worked his way up from right-of-way crew to district manager in Eupora.

In the last few years, his granddaughter, Laura Kate, was his inspiration for living. They shared many outdoor “adventures” together, such as, riding the ranger, deer hunting, fishing, gardening, talking on the CB radio, and running the dogs. Stan always looked forward to her visits and watching her grow up.

His greatest legacy is his children. He and Kay had two wonderful children, Nicole and Matt, to whom he devoted his life. Stan helped shape their lives by assisting them with their homework and encouraging them in all their educational and life achievements. With his guiding hand, Nicole earned two doctorate degrees in veterinary medicine and wildlife ecology from Mississippi State University, and Matt earned an electrical engineering degree, Entrepreneur Certificate, and a Minor in Mathematics from Mississippi State University. To further his father’s pride, Matt followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming an electrical engineer with Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association and then was able to pursue an electrical engineer job with Natchez Trace Electric Power Association. His constant support was evident in both of their accomplishments.

Stan was devoted to his family. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, and loyal friend to so many. He will be remembered for the loyalty he showed throughout his lifetime to his family, friends, and especially his children and grandchild.

Stan is survived by his wife, Carolyn Kay (Mann) Hodges. Through his last years, she was devoted to caring for Stan. He is also survived by his daughter, Nicole Hodges; his son, Matt Hodges (Bridgette); granddaughter, Laura Kate Hodges; his brother, Keathley Hodges; his sister, Glenda Latham; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Stan is preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Ina Mae (Fulgham) Hodges.