John William Hodgson

John William Hodgson (Jack) of Independence, MO passed away peacefully on Monday, December 27th, 2021 after a short illness of Covid. At the time of his passing Jack knew each of his daughters were at his bedside, he opened his eyes while they were telling him they loved him, gave a wave and left to be with Jesus. Jack had often said he would be a warrior for Jesus at the end of days, so his journey has begun! He was a faithful believer and wanted to go “home”; his mind restored, a young man, strong and happy and ready to do whatever the Lord needs next. On August 24, 1938 Jack was born to George & Mae Hodgson of Scammon, KS. He had 2 brothers and 2 sisters and numerous nieces and nephews he adored. Jack was blessed with 3 girls by his 1st marriage. Debra Jasper (spouse JC Jasper-Marshall, MO), Stacey (spouse-Jim DeGrace-Indep.MO) and Shannon (spouse James Stokley- MO). In 1981 he married Janet and his family grew bigger with the addition of her 2 sons Jarrod Margruder (Kansas City, MO) and Jason Magruder (Independence, MO) Jack and Janet had their 40th wedding anniversary this year but unfortunately Janet was already too ill to celebrate and preceded him in death February 21st, 2021. Together, they had 10 grandkids and 13 great-grandkids. Jack was a paratrooper and medic for the army and during his last season of life often told stories about this impressionable time. He said he sent all this money home to his parents when he was in the army and without him knowing, they saved it and gave it all back to him once he got out. This enabled him to stay at home and help around the farm and take his Dad fishing often. He had many cherished stories of life in Scammon. Jack was close to all his family and many friends and loved spending time with any one of them. He liked to fish especially (at any season of his life) and hunt plus drive fast in cars or on motorcycles in his youth. Jack liked to have a garden and grow fruits, vegetable and flowers. He loved dogs. He was a very talented artist, woodworker and carver and never took any money throughout his life for his creations. He was skilled at fixing machinery and made his living this way for most of his life. He was a union steward and said he could be hard and mean and liked to fight but Jack gave his life to Jesus in 1984. He said he tried to quit being a union steward but they insisted and he said he was no longer mean as Jesus took that from his heart. Since then, he has prayed over many, many people asking for whatever they needed at the time. He was awarded Deacon Emeritus at Susquehanna Baptist Church just this year in honor of his 37 years of service. Jack visited many people in their homes and brought many to salvation. He was nice looking, playful and charming and people were drawn to him. His family will tell you, no matter his age, he always loved to tease and pick on others in fun. People loved him for that extra attention and playfulness. It wouldn’t be an obituary for this great man whom many knew as John or Jack without a word from those of us who called him Dad. Dad recently reminisced about him and Janet raising 5 kids and said sometimes it was “rough”. When asked, “what was the roughest?” he said he didn’t know. When asked, “what was the best?, he answered, “you kids”. He was always ready for a hug, kiss and “I love you”. He drove us all over, picking up friends and dropping off friends, no matter the time. He spoiled us when he could and was ALWAYS available when asked, no matter the project. He liked to brag that he carried us and he often did. Dad was one of a kind and we are so grateful for the love he left behind. His family ask that any donations in his memory be made to the church he so loved. Susquehanna Baptist Church, 17800 E. Susquehanna Ridge, Independence, MO 64056. We will have a celebration of his life for family and friends with a potluck BBQ at his daughter Stacey’s home on Saturday May 14th, 2022 at 11 a.m. Please RSVP on Facebook messenger to her if you would like to attend.

John William Hodgson

August 24, 1938 - December 27, 2021