James Rexford Hodson

Longtime Hastings resident James Rexford Hodson, 94, passed away Monday, November 10, 2025, at Mary Lanning Healthcare, Hastings, NE. We celebrate a life richly lived and deeply loved.

A private family graveside service will be at Parkview Cemetery in Hastings with Pastor Paul Dunbar officiating. There will be no viewing or visitation. Memorials may be given to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. 

James was born on November 14, 1930, in Arkansas, to Rexford and Ruth Hodson. On February 21, 1959, he married the love of his life, Marilyn Mae Harder. Together, they made homes in Louisiana and Iowa before settling in Hastings in 1997. 

James had a lifelong passion for gospel music. In his younger years, he toured the South singing in a quartet with friends and his sister. His love of music was matched by a fondness for movies, sparked during high school when he worked at a local theater—where he first fell in love with the big screen. 

A proud veteran of the Korean War, James was stationed in Germany, where he served as an aerial photographer. 

Faith and service were central to James’s life. A devoted follower of Christ, he and Marilyn served others. James and Marilyn sponsored children in several third-world countries—especially in Uganda, where he and Marilyn traveled to meet the children, they supported. At Christmas, they enjoyed packing shoeboxes for the Franklin Graham Ministry. 

James opened his home to countless animals which he rescued and cared for. He was a familiar and supportive presence at his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s events. His encouragement, joyful presence, and generous spirit left a lasting impact on all who knew him. 

James was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Marilyn; and three sisters, Ruby (Billy) Mays, Maxine (Hyla) Hodson, and Nana Mayhew. 

James is survived by his son, Jeff Hodson (Lori) and daughter, Gloriann Peddicord (Steven), all of Hastings, NE. He is lovingly remembered by five grandchildren, Kayla Hanson (Jeremy), Jade Siegel (Sam), Jalynda Hollister (Andrew), Christian Hodson (Nicole), and Jacob Peddicord (Sierrah); 11 great-grandchildren, Rexford, Redmond, Rockwell, and Roman Siegel, Nolan and Nash Hanson, Scarlett, Sophia, Judd, and Stella Hollister, and Cooper Hodson; along with many nieces and nephews.