James Hodwitz

It is with great sadness that our family announces the death of James Eugene Hodwitz.  Husband of Elsie and father of daughtes Caroline and Judyann, and son Dan. 

James passed on September 22, 2017 after a lengthy illness of heart disease and cancer just short of his 95^th birthday.Jim was born at his parent’s home at 623 Mary Street on November 2, 1922 in Fort William. 

They moved to Slate River when Jim was 9 years old. At the age of 17 he was called to serve in the Second World War.  He served in the Royal Canadian Army where he was stationed at Shilo, in Brandon, Manitoba.  Jim was discharged in April 1948 to continue in work of National Importance. 

It was in Brandon that he met his bride of almost 72 years, Elsie Sicinski.  They married on October 6, 1945 in Oakburn, Manitoba. Jim was well known as a grower of vegetables and bedding out plants within Thunder Bay and surrounding areas.  During his younger years he was a very active member of the Slate River community…from square dance caller at the Slate River Hall to fund raiser.  He always found the time to do his part. He was a Councilor for 2 terms in Paipoonge and was a director of the Hall and Safety Board for a time as well. Elsie and Jim were approached by the Ministry of Natural Resources and local paper mills to supply tree seedlings for planting in cut areas of the forests in Ontario.  In 1987 Jim and Elsie retired and sold the business to their son who continued growing trees. Jim was a member of Holy Cross Ukrainian Catholic Church and St. George Society.

He will be remembered as a lover of life, family and friends, someone who enjoyed fishing, hunting, life at the cottage and spending time with his children and grandchildren whenever possible. He was predeceased by his father and mother John Hodwitz and Ann (Harasym) Hodwitz, his sisters Carrie (Hodwitz) Iven, Stella (Hodwitz) Teran/Sopko, his brother Bill Hodwitz, brother-in-laws Jack Teran, Don Bodnar, Mike Iven, Jack Bruce, Steve Sopko, nephew Philip Teran and niece Ida (Iven) Linke. Left to mourn are his wife Elsie (Sicinski) Hodwitz, daughters Caroline (Wolanik) Spence (Bruce), Judyann Niemi (Bob), and son Dan Hodwitz (Wendy Martin). Grandsons Michael Wolanik (Mary), Ross Niemi (Vanessa), Scott Niemi, and granddaughter Laura Nordine (Chris) and great grandchildren Michael Wolanik and Claire Nordine and many nephews and nieces. 

Visitation for James will take place on September 27, 2017 at 10:00 am followed by Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at Holy Cross Ukrainian Catholic Church, 415 Victoria Avenue W. Thunder Bay celebrated by Rev. Stepan Didur. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Cancer Society or Heart and Stroke Foundation.