James of Derby, CT passed away unexpectedly in his home on Thursday. He is survived by his wife, Yvette (Grady) Hodge, son and daughter-in-law Jayson Hodge & Sarah Lasoff-Hodge, daughter and son-in-law Yvette Hodge Wilson & Leon Wilson, grandchildren Leon Wilson, Jr., Joseph Wilson, Oliva Wilson, and Na’ema Wilson, brother and sister-in-law Jon and Sylvia Hodge, father-in-law and mother-in-law Charles & Jacqueline Grady, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. A retired public-school teacher, special program planner, and school building administrator he served in the Bridgeport Public Schools system for over 50 years. Born and raised in Bridgeport, Hodge attended public schools and graduated with a degree in electronics from Bullard Havens Regional Vocational Technical School, then attended Southern Connecticut State University and the University of Bridgeport where he earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Sixth Year Degree in School Administration. His professional career included 8 years in the classroom, 5 in the Central Office and then over 22 as principal. He official retired in 2005 but has continued to serve as an interim principal and school climate specialist. Brother Hodge joined the James H. Wilkins Masonic Lodge in Ansonia, CT in 1988 where he served as Worshipful Master for two year the joined the New Haven Consistory #7 where he served as Commander-in-Chief and was elevated to 33rd and last degree in 2009.