James J. Hodgson

Jim’s heart stopped on June 25th, 2026. He lived with Parkinson’s Disease for more than a decade and had a series of medical complications over the years that ultimately landed him in the hospital for the last three months. He aged without complaint with the exception of his regular “It’s hell getting old” and was itching to get back to his garden and party planning - even to the end. 

Jim was born July 28th, 1947 and grew up in Minneapolis. When the Vietnam War started, as a 19 year old, Jim joined the Navy and served from 1966-1970 as a radarman. He saw bits of the world and enjoyed travelling. He was a hard worker and started in the restaurant industry in high school - first as a dishwasher, then as a cook, and eventually as the owner/operator of two McDonald’s Restaurants. His knack for hospitality carried throughout his life, both professionally and personally. He showed his love through food. McDonald’s provided a network of friends that lasted a lifetime and their conferences provided many family trips that are cherished. 

We will remember his warm smile, the noise he made when you said something that annoyed him, his marinara sauce, and his love of cooking, gardening, and music. 

He is survived by his loving and steadfast partner, Denise; his three daughters, Emily (Bjorn) Zellner, Anne (Jeff Anderson), and Elizabeth Berg; his former wife, Gege; and siblings, Sue, Steven, and Mary (Jim) Lee. He was a proud Grandpa to Odelia and Michael. He was loved by many including Melissa (Jim) Shafer and Kelly O’Donnell (Evan Bates). There are too many extended family members and friends to mention here. He was well loved and his family is grateful for the wide community of people we were able to share him with. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Lucille; sister, Carole; sister-in-law, Marna; and brother-in-law and dear friend, Harlan Smith. 

We are deeply grateful to the staff at the VA who were kind and patient in caring for him in his final months. 

Services will take place on Tuesday, July 14th at 2pm at St. Francis de Sales Church in St. Paul (650 Palace Avenue, St. Paul MN 55102) with a visitation one hour prior. You are also invited to join us after the service for a meal at DeGidio’s (425 7th Street W, St. Paul MN 55102) to raise a glass to Jim. 

A military honors ceremony will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis MN, on August 20th at 12:30pm. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ronald McDonald House https://give.ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org/JimHodgson