Statesboro lost a giant in business, banking and philanthropy not only in our community but throughout the southeast with the death of James "Jimmy" Eli Hodges. Jimmy died at Ogeechee Area Hospice on April 26, 2023. He was 81.
Jimmy's obituary covered his voluminous success and a sampling of ways he impacted our community through his service. What touched me the most was the way he lived his life after retirement in 2008.
His only child, Sally Hodges McKinney, who he loved as deeply as a father could love a child, walked through his life's remarkable journey with me.
Sue
Jimmy met his wife, Sue, while she worked as the secretary to First Bulloch Bank President O.B. "Red" Bell. Jimmy was a Statesboro native and attended UGA after graduating from SHS. After graduation he went to work with Haskin's accounting firm in Savannah. He moved up the ranks quickly and was offered a promotion which would require him moving out of state.
Sue convinced Mr. Bell to hire Jimmy at the bank. Mr. Bell and his wife Suzy did not have children, so Jimmy and Sue became family to them. Under Mr. Bell's mentorship, Jimmy moved through the ranks to become CEO and President.
Close friends
Jimmy was a fierce competitor. His main competitor was Sea Island Bank, which was led by David Harrison "Hal" Averitt. They were aggressive rivals when it came to business and banking, but after hours they were best of friends.
They grew up together and were Baptized and died on the same date, April 26. Hal died on April 26, 2006 and Jimmy on April 26, 2023.
Hal and his wife Connie were so close to Jimmy and Sue that they were asked to be God parents to Sally.
During their most competitive periods, Hal and Jimmy would meet before work and run three miles together.
Grandchildren
Jimmy loved banking. For many years it was his life. He really had no hobbies. Sally recalls how growing up everything tied back to banking or business. Jimmy and Sue loved to entertain and did so often in their home. Each year they hosted the Christmas Business After Hours at the Bank. It was the event that unofficially kicked off the Christmas season in the community. Then that same week, they would host Christmas parties in their home for several nights.
His intensity mellowed and shifted when he became a grandfather to Ray Lynes McKinney III, Lauren Hodges McKinney and James Eli McKinney. Their hobbies became his hobbies. He poured himself into their lives and never missed a game or activity that one of them were involved in. His grandchildren brought him so much pleasure.
Caretaker
One of the reasons Jimmy retired in 2008 was to take care of his wife Sue whose health had diminished. He jumped into the full time caretaker role and did stuff that even surprised Sally. He learned to do her hair and makeup and poured himself into making life as comfortable as possible. Sue died one year after he retired. This really took a toll on his health. After she died he became very sick and came very close to death.
Transplant
On April 11, 2011 Jimmy received a liver transplant and became a poster child for transplants. Sally said the remarkable thing about the transplant is that not only did he get a liver, but he gained a heart. He was so appreciative every day to get a second chance on life.
Lucky to love twice
A little over a decade ago, Jimmy and Connie Averitt began dating. Sally described how Connie and Jimmy stepped into each others lives at the perfect time for each of them. They really complimented each other.
"I really could not imagine our family without Connie. She has become and important, permanent fixture for our family, kids and my dad," said Sally. "She helped him discover and love the smaller moments in life. He was so lucky to have loved twice. Once with my mom and then with Connie."
Wonderful legacy
At the funeral Sally described how countless people came to her and shared stories about how her dad had helped them start a business or buy a home so they could get married and start a family. Many of the people he worked with through the years continued to count him as one of their closest friends. He shared a deep love for our community and could not imagine living anywhere else. He was driven, motivated, kind and always had an ear to listen.
He was Sally's rock. She described how he would never end a conversation with her without asking what he could do for her or the grandchildren.
His faith, his family, his friends were important to him. They put meaning into his life.
Our community is stronger and better because of Jimmy and the legacy he leaves.
