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James "Jim" Hodgkins,80
December 27, 2021
James “Jim” William Hodgkins 80, of Williamstown died Monday December 27, 2021 at Crescent Manor in Bennington, VT.
He was born in Lee, MA. on June 29, 1941 a son of William and M. Louise (Lyons) Hodgkins and moved with his family to New Castle, NH at the age of seven where he attended school and graduated from Portsmouth High School.
Jim graduated in 1965 from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Hotel and Hospitality Management. In 1970 he obtained a position at Williams College, retiring in 2001 as director of dining services with 31 years of service. A dedicated member of the National Association of College & University Food Services, Jim served as Northeast Regional President 1993-1995 and won the David R. Prentkowski Distinguished Lifetime Member Award in 2004.
Jim was a long-time resident of Williamstown and an active member of the Berkshire County community, serving various roles with Willinet Community Television, president of the Berkshire Camera Club, and on the board with Recording for the Blind. He also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. A quick smile and usually whistling a tune, Jim loved annual James Taylor concerts at Tanglewood and spending time by the ocean at New Castle, NH and Wells Beach, ME with his family.
Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Anne L. (Hourihan) Hodgkins, whom he married July 17, 1965, two daughters, Amy Ferguson (Andrew) of Marblehead, MA., Kimberly Hodgkins of Williamstown, sister Priscilla Hodgkins of New Castle, NH, and nieces and nephews. James was predeceased by a sister Cornelia "Neale" Miller who died May 9, 2021.
Services will take place at a later date. Memorial donations are suggested for the Williamstown Food Pantry or the MA/NH Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association through the Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home, WEST CHAPELS 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA. 01247. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.
Anne, Kim, and Amy
I’m sorry for your loss. Jim was a real class act. He was sincere, kind, and a gentleman. He loved his family so much. I feel very fortunate to have known Jim and his family during my time in Williamstown. | from: Martha MacGillivray | on: 01-23-2022 |
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My condolences to all. I was a headwaiter in Baxter during my years at Williams (1971-75), and saw Jim daily. He always greeted me with a big smile, and I valued his engaging humor and advice. He also was a great help with the kitchen and dining room in Wood-Garfield House when I was President. Jim always tried to do his best for all of us. During reunions I always made it a point to search him out, and even with all the students that crossed his path, he remembered me. What a guy! | from: Jerry Brown | on: 01-21-2022 |
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Dear Anne, Kim and Amy, I was saddened to hear about your loss. Jim was a wonderful person who made such a big and important impact on the local community, especially at Williams. His caring and compassionate personality will always be remembered.
God Bless | from: Robert Volpi | on: 01-11-2022 |
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Dear Ann and family, I am very sorry for your loss. It was an honor to know Jim who always had a kind word and a bright, happy smile when we conversed on campus. He had a distinguished food service career and a wonderful, supportive family, a true model for us all. | from: Gayle Donohue | on: 01-04-2022 |
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Dear Anne and family, it was a privilege and honor for me to have worked with such a wonderful and kind gentleman. He will be greatly missed and always remembered. | from: Mireille Roy | on: 01-04-2022 |
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Sorry to hear of Jim's passing. My condolences to Anne and the girls.
| from: Jean Vankin | on: 01-04-2022 |
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While I didn't know Jim very well, I did appreciate his support of his wife's church work. Jim took pictures of the church sanctuary after the decorating was done and was so pleased to encourage Ann's work in this way. Anytime I met him, his smile was radiant. On behalf of the Altar guild of Saints Patrick and Raphael, I extend sympathy and support to Ann, Amy, and Kim. Your husband and dad will surely be missed.
With sympathy and prayers, Karyn | from: Karyn E O'Toole | on: 12-31-2021 |
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Jim always had a heart of gold and will be greatly missed. Sincerest condolences from the Cutlers family. | from: Michelle Cutler | on: 12-31-2021 |
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Dear Ann and family, I am very sorry for your loss. He was a warm gentle person. Prayers for you and your family
Gerry | from: Gerry hyde | on: 12-31-2021 |
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The Hodgkins were our neighbors across from us on Haley St. for the vast majority of my childhood. I have many fond memories, in particular, learning about computers and programming alongside Mr. Hodgkins as we both had Radio Shack Color Basic computers. We are sorry for your loss Ann, Amy, and Kim. | from: Jim Lafave | on: 12-30-2021 |
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Ann and family. So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Always a gentleman with a smile and a camera at special events. He was proud of his staff. Thoughts with you all at this time.
David Berger | from: David Berger | on: 12-29-2021 |
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Kimmy and family I am sad to see about Jim 's passing. I work at williams when Jim was the director I remember every morning he would come by and say good morning to everyone. I will miss him dearly. Lisa Cahii | from: Lisa cahill | on: 12-29-2021 |
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We extend our condolences to the family of Jim Hodgekins.
The college and The Williams Inn enjoyed a fine working relationship and we often looked to Jim if we had some food
problems or difficulty in getting supplies. He was always cheerful and knew how to have a good day! He was a great example to young people in the hospitality industry. He was patient and kind, such a pleasure to know. He was well regarded by his peers in the hospitality industry.
Carl and Marilyn Faulkner, Retired The Williams Inn | from: Carl Faulkner | on: 12-29-2021 |
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Kim and Amy and Ann
I’m very sorry to hear about Jim’s passing he use to be my boss at Williams college dining services
| from: Lisa stant | on: 12-29-2021 |
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Uncle Jim was one of my favorite people in the world. He had such generosity of spirit, such warmth, humor and kindness. I grieve his loss, and yet so many happy memories of him make me smile instead of weeping. | from: Lisa M Browdy | on: 12-29-2021 |
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I am so sorry to read of Jim’s passing. I always enjoyed my visits to see Jim & Anne when I was working as the nurse at Home Instead. Thinking of you all. | from: Heather Lemoine | on: 12-28-2021 |
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Kimmy and family, Al and I are so sorry to hear about your loss. We both worked for Jim at Williams College. He was an awesome director and a good friend. He will truly be missed by the Dining Service department at the college. Please know you are in our thoughts.
| from: Laurie Wiles | on: 12-28-2021 |
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Goodbye beloved Uncle Jim, I will always remember your kindness, dependability, and sense of humor. Sending so much love to your three girls, Anne, Amy, and Kimberley, and your surviving sister, Priscilla. | from: Susanna Benningfield | on: 12-28-2021 |
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He was a bright light, an amazing kindhearted man & devoted family member and I am so thankful for all the laughs and memories that we shared <3 | from: Talia B | on: 12-28-2021 |
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