Jake Hodge was 12 years old and an amazing athlete, Christian and part of a loving family when the Lord called him home on June 21, 2008.
To honor his memory, this site has been established and we request that you please post your memories and stories here. Your comments may include an array of memories or thoughts, including life lessons learned through your relationship with Jake Hodge and his family.
Jake's family wants other children to come to know Christ through their story about Jake. They are going to publish a book called, "The Jake Hodge Legacy: It's not what you take, it's what you leave behind."
"I always tried to instill that in my son, and in other children as a coach," said Jake's father, Denis Hodge, who is a high school baseball coach. "The only way to justify Jake's death is if we help win more children to Christ."
Understand that your stories may be used in future publications either in print or on the Internet and that they become the sole property of the publishers of this blog site.
Post your stories under the comment button below. Move your mouse over the word "comments" and click. Post your stories or memories. After your post has been moderated, it will be published to this blog site under comments.
Thank you
89 comments:
May God bless your family in this time of tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Candy Armstrong, Midland TX
I don't know young Jake, but my son J.T. also plays 12-year-old USSSA baseball. My thoughts and prayers are with Jake's family and teammates at this time.
Susanna Jakubik
A mom in Houston, Texas
We, West Michigan Wildcats 12U, are sorry to hear of Jake's passing. Our prayers go out to the family and friends of this special young man. Based on what I can gather, Jake was a positive influence on others lives and God has a special place for him. May God's comfort surround you, strengthen you and lift you up in this tough situation.
Jon Dorow
Manager
12U W Michigan Wildcats
Mr. & Mrs. Coach Hodge & Jessi, I am very sorry for your lose. He was a great kid. Taught me a thing or two about basketball & life. Believe it or not., I learned something from him. And I am sure he has touch everyones life as he did mine. He may not be here on earth with us, but he is not as far as we think. Cause he is in our heart, thoughts and prayers, and he is watching over us always and forever.
I also did not know Jake, but I have a son TJ who has played ball with great joy since he was 9. He is now 17 and I thank God that we still have the pleasure of watching him play this great game. Your story reminds me of what a privilage it is and that we who are able to watch our sons/daughters perform, must never take the time for granted. God bless Jake, his family, friends, teamates and coaches. Our prayers are with you all. The Page family. Savannah,Georgia
My memories of Jake are from his younger years (3-7 years old). However, I have kept up with his many recent accomplishments through family and friends still in Marion. The first thing anyone noticed about Jake was that he was a very polite, sweet, and an all around great kid! I have so many pictures of Jake smiling from ear to ear surrounded by the entire Lady Rocket basketball team. Shelly Johnson, Lyndsey Hall, Kindra Brisby, Stephanie Kelly and I use to tease Jake endlessly, tickle Jake, and be evil big sisters; however, he never once got mad. This group use to bribe Jake to try to be his girlfriend of the day. One year, while at the state tournament I was talking with my family who had come to watch the game. My grandmother instantly thought Jake was the cutest thing ever. In attempts to embarrass my “boyfriend of the day” I tried to get him to give me a kiss on the cheek in front of my family. He flashed his grin and said, “Not here Sami.” After lots of persuading he looked up at me with his sparkling eyes and said, “I will when we get on the bus.” I have countless memories of Jake, and will often think of him. Jake was far too young to be taken from this world, but he is in a much better place. Jake was always smiling, helping others, and serving God. His wonderful grin could light up a room and will be greatly missed. I pray we learn a lesson from the 12 year old and try to be more like Jake in our daily walks. Jake was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend to many. Shannon and Dennis did a wonderful job of raising the little guy and he will be greatly missed!
Sami Jo Kirk
Louisville, Kentucky
My family and I did not have the pleasure of meeting Jake. But from what I've read, he was a fine young man. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Romans 12:15. In Gods Love Always.
Deepest sympathies to Shannon and Dennis and the entire family and Marion community. This is obviously a young man to be admired and immulated. God Bless.
J. Shannon Weaver
Louisville, KY
"And a child shall lead them". Jake, I didn't know you buddy, but I wish I did. My prayer is that I can raise my son to be just like you. Denis and Shannon, you have raised a remarkable child and may God bless you and comfort you. Psalm 30:5 "...Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning"
There truly is one more angel in heaven, one who loved life and family - we were so blessed to know Jake through his wonderful Grandparents Tony and Pat and his Uncle Phillip and Aunt Shawna - our grandchildren Taylor and Wyatt rode 4 wheelers across the Kentucky meadows with Jake and Jessi and have incredible memories of that special time. When we think of his smile and it brings tears to our eyes, just remember that Jake is hitting the biggest home run of his life - the one that took him 'home' to live forever. Our prayer is for God to Bless Shannon and Dennis with His grace and peace and give them strength and courage to continue bringing children to Christ just as they brought Jake to Christ. In Christ's love - Ray & Ramona
Coach Hodge,
Hey bud, this is Ryan B. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss, I couldn't even begin to imagine. You, however are one of the strongest men I have ever known, spiritually, mentally and as a leader. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and Shannon. I know that Jake is in Heaven, looking down on all of us, he will be missed... "for God so loved the world, that he gave his only beggotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not parish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. Jake believed, therefore, he lives even still! Love you guys, if you need ANYTHING, 928-919-5088.
My 12 yr.old son plays for the Central Kentucky Legends you may not remember Nate but he is our catcher #87.We had the pleasure of seeing Jake play some this year as we played you all. I told Nate about Jake and I seen the hurt and not understanding in his eyes.My family wanted to let you all know our thoughts and prayers are with your family and Jakes friends and team mates.Monday night at our league tournament championship we had a 10 second moment of silence before the game began in Jakes honor. Jake will be greatly missed. Bruce, Cindy and Nate prahl
Coach Hodge,
I first want to say that my prayers are with your family everyday. When I heard the news of Jake my heart sank. I did not get to know Jake through the older years, but I can remember when he was just a baby. I knew that he would do great things. I have seen many photos of a boy with a beautiful smile. True happiness and love. You guys have done a wonderful job on raising Jake. Shannon, I had the chance to play basketball for you and you are one of the strongest women I come to know. I have been out of school for about nine years now and anytime I pick up a basketball I think of you. People often ask how I learned to play so tough on the court, I just smile at them. Coach, you will never know the amazing influence you have on your players. As young women you teach us to play hard, focus and winning isn’t everything as long as we gave it are all. You teach us that just because we are girls does not mean we have to be weak. Lady Rockets are some of the toughest girls in the state. We owe that to you Coach. I will be moving back to Crittenden County soon and I hope that my daughter has the opportunity to play for you someday. God bless you and your family. Don’t be sad for the loss of your son, but be glad that you know where he is at. Rejoice in the fact that you lead Jake to know Christ! God has something so much better planed for him. We don’t know yet what it is, but someday we will have our answer and smile up at heaven and thank God for his precious angel Jake. Jessi, hang in there! Let the Lord carry you through this hard time. Stay strong just like your Mom has taught us.
“When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression.
the flames will not consume you.”
Isaiah 43:2
I love ya Coach and I am here for ya!
Jeana (Threlkeld) Tapp
Sturgis, KY
I was only around the Crittenden County school system for a few years. I can recall vaguely Jake always inside the gym at the middle school shooting the lights out. You just knew he was college bound. Thoughts and prayers out to the whole community.
Most of my memories of Jake are from church and church trips when we were younger. Him and I went to the same church for about 11 years not a day passed that he wasn't nice to every one. Jake was always a very polite to anyone. He would always greet everyone with a welcoming hello and smile.
Deepest sympathy goes out to all of the Hodge family and all the other friends , church members, team members, and anyone who had the pleasures of meeting Jake. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Much Love:
Amelia [Amy] Jean Gilley
Marion Ky
My name is Brad Gilbert. I was Jake's coach for the 12U Rockets and I also helped with his football and basketball teams since he was around 6 years old. I am also the funeral director that handled Jake's arrangements. This was a situation that I never wanted to be in but I have now realized that I wouldn't have wanted anyone else to do. Denis and Shannon, thank you so much for the trust you put in me in your most difficult of times. I can only hope I was half as strong as the both of you are.
Being a funeral director leads to many interesting discussions. My son, Travis, played ball with Jake and they stayed at each others house many times. If anyone knows either one of those boys they will understand just how "chicken" they could be. Denis kids Travis that he will defintely not carry on the family business because of his weak stomach. Jake may have been worse. I say this to tell you a funny story. One night after ball practice Jake came home to stay with Travis. It was about dark and I had to stop at the funeral home to pick up some mail. Being as curious as Jake was he was asking me about the funeral business and what I had to do in my job. I explained as best I could with the least amount of detail as I could. When I got to the funeral home I realized I forgot my keys and I had to go in through the back door. Apparently while I was gone the conversation about my job had continued, part of which I heard while I rounded the corner from behind the vehicle. Knowing the windows were down I found the perfect oppurtunity for a little fun. They were still talkin about the funeral home and I heard Jake say it freaked him out at the exact moment I jumped in Jake's window and screamed. Jake and Travis both jumped and screamed like frightened little girls. It was perfection. I loved to make fun of Jake for that every time he got to thinking he might be tougher than me. I will miss Jake always. I know he is in a better place because I know the wonderful family he was raised in. It is an honor for me to help the Hodge family in any way I can. Jake will always be like one of my boys as will the whole 12U team. I love you all.
Hey Coaches,
You might not remember me but my name is Christy (Robertson) Irwin. I heard of your trajedy from my Mom who still lives in Marion. I have known you both since I was in the early stages of my middle school days. I know several of your family members and I am truly sorry for your loss. I know there are no words of comfort right now, but just remember all things are possible with jesus christ! I know you are true Christian and family oriented people and your faith will keep the thoughts of Jake in your heart forever. You both have been an influence on me as a student and now as an adult as well as other past and present students. Just remember that even though he may be gone physically he's not gone from your heart and memory. Love to the entire family and my church here in East Tennessee is praying for each and every one of you. Keep your chin up and remember a star has been added up in Heaven twinkling and watching over you forever! Look up and take heart!!
Love you guys,
My prayers and thoughts are with you too.
Christy (1998 CCHS grad)
Dear Coach Hodge,
To understand what this has to be like for you and your family is absolutely impossible. He was a great young kid. He had a wonderful life thanks to his great family. No matter how hard things get you jake will ALWAYS be near all of you and he wont let you give up. You and your family are in my prayers. I never got the opportunity to personally know jake, But I do recall his great passion in everything he did, he took everything life threw at him and made it better. I love you all so much. Jake will be greatly missed by everybody.
Love,
Nichole Mills
"Millys"
crayne Ky.
Dennis & Shannon,
I never had the pleasure of meeting Jake, but I did have the pleasure of being in school while you two were teaching. I also went to church with you guys and know that you raised a wonderful, very special, touched child. From what I read he truly blessed many, many people, including yourselves I'm sure. I can't imagine losing my child but I know you both are strong, Christian people who know that God has a reason for everything, even when we don't know what it is. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
In my prayers,
Nicki (Smith) Doyle
Sturgis, KY
What I know about Jake Hodge is that he was a remarkable young man. He was blessed with an outstanding family who taught him how important it was to be a kind and caring young man. I was truly blessed to be able to spend the day with him on Thursday when I picked him up. Denis said he was getting out of work but Jake didn't seem to let that affect him to much. On our ride to Princeton we talked about the building of the new house and how he was going to do his room. He thought orange and white but he hadn't ruled out Rocket Blue because he was planning to put of life size posters of himself all over the walls. He truly was an All-Star in every way. I loved going to the games and watching him shooting 3's before and after the girls games
and being in "AH" of what talent he had. Then wathing him in a Football game running so fast and everyone chasing him and knowing they would never catch up. I don't know exactly how many touch downs he made but you knew that his grandparents could always let you know they supported him in every game no matter what the sport was. What a awesome family he was blessed with. I knew that Jake looked up to his Big Sister, Jessi and how much he loved her and remembering how hard he would work for his money and how he loved to spend it on her. I will remember all those long bus rides and him begging Denis to hurry up and stop because he couldn't hold it any longer and the girls teasing him and him saying I am just like my Dad and how right he was. Jake got his kind heart from his Mother who has given so much to the Lady Rockets for so many years. I hope you know we will always be praying for you to find peace and how your love and support of such a special young
man has changed the lifes of so many people. Our goal is to come together as a family and a community to make the legacy of Jake Hodge to know your God and to be ready when he comes to take you home. Jake I will miss you smiling at me and calling me Ton-Ton but when I go outside and look up to heaven I will know that you will be the brightest star in the sky looking down at us saying If You Can Only Imagine.
Jake I Love you with all my heart and want to thank you for all the bessings you have given my family.
Love You
Ton-Ton
I did not know Jake, however, my son played against him in a Championship game in Kentuckey a few weeks ago. We were also the Rockets. Our entire team was saddened and wishes to extend our thoughts and prayers to your family. We will be wearing armbands this weekend during our state tournament with Jake's initials and uniform number. He must have been one special boy as all of our boys remembered him. May God comfort you during this time and give you peace.
My name is Casey Hopper and my oldest son Landon played baseball with Jake on the U12 Rockets as well as other sports over the years. Being an avid sports mom I love watching the kids and cheering them on. Watching Jake & Landon turn a double play the weekend before God called Jake home was awesome and being ring side for Jake-man’s grand slam was something our baseball family will never forget. He was a natural born athlete and loved to win more than anyone I’ve ever known. There are many memories of Jake that I could share but feel compelled to share this particular one. We went to watch Jake & Jessi at a rodeo last year. It was Logan’s (3 yrs old then) first time to attend a rodeo and he was just in awe. He watched Jake in goat tying and decided the next day to tie up my parent’s dog. He had the dog tied to the door knob and was using shoe laces to tie his back legs together. My mother, said Logan Tom what are you doing. He said I’m goat tying like Jake. I know the dog was thrilled when I took him home that day. Logan is also our U12 Rockets batboy and he thinks he is as big as they are. Jake always painted black under Logan’s eyes so he would be like the rest of the team and packed him around on his back or shoulders countless miles over the last three years. He was a loving kid and that love came from his parents, sister and extended family and through Christ. Jake-man is playing on Gods team now and although we will never see him out run the entire opposing football team for a touch down or the fancy footwork on the basketball court or another grand slam on this earth, we will see him when God calls us to join His Heavenly team. I’m thankful Jake was Landon’s & Logan’s friend and that through those friendships our families have a bond that will endure forever. To our U12 Rockets, I love you boys & your families. You’ve really had to grow up over the last few days and I’m so proud of each of you. Jake is now your angel in the infield. Denis, Shannon, Jessi, Ms. Chris, Mr. Keith, Tony, Granny Patty and the rest of the family we love you all. We will miss you Jake-man but your memories will forever live in our hearts.
Casey Hopper
U12 Rocket Mom
I went to tiny tot along with jake and jessie. I have many memories of us doing plays and playing around, but after tiny tot i rarly saw him until this summer. the first time i got to talk to jake about when we were little he remembered a lot of things that i had forgot. He reminded me of the cinderella play we put on and when we made sand castles. he brought back memories of when we were little kids not having to worry about anything exept how long we would be in timeout. after we talked about catching butterflies, getting books every wednesday even though we couldnt read, and the many times i stuck a rock in my ear or a crayon up my nose or just falling off the playsets we laughed just thinking about all the crazy things we did as little kids. We then caught each other up on what we achieved after tiny tot and we talked about our friends now that we were older i relised something jake wasnt like many of the people i knew back home in paducah he was so much more honest he didnt makeup things he did just to try to look cooler than anyone else he was just himself which is the best thing anyone could be. he was a great person and wish there were more genuine people like he was. he will live on forever in our hearts.
McKenzi Belt
All this family has done and given to the children of Crittenden County will not go unnoticed. From Dennis pretending to be 'Geroge Jeston" with our son, Todd, coming to a rolling stop to let " elroy " off, to the love, friendship, and most of all respect that our daughter, Kayla, and Shannon share, our family loves this family! Watching Jessi and Jake grow has been the whole community's priviledge and Dennis and Shannon shared this with all of us. Jessi, you will always have our cheering for you in life regardless of what team you play even if they wear purple! ha I will always smile when I think of Jake for the joke that we shared between us since he was 5 years old. The St Bernard dog that I tried so hard to convince Jake that indeed it was a polar bear. From that day one, Jake, was known to me as 'polar bear'. Satch works with a man that coached a team from Marshall county. He came to work and told Satch of this kid from Crittenden County that was one of the fastest players that his basketball team had played against. Last Jan, 2008 at the Class A tournament, here comes Jake smiling and wanting to know if I had seen any polar bears lately. No, I told him but I have seen a "polar bear express" then I told him that was my new name for him because the man from Marshall county said Jake was fast! I also told him that when he played high school I was going to get a t-shirt with POLAR BEAR EXPRESS and his number and that every time he looked in the stands he would know what it meant. So, isn't it strange, that on June 23, the day our Jake's name was in print in the Paducah Sun that 2 pages over there was a picture of polar bears. The title of the article showing the picture of the polar bears, an army ranger, and gas prices, was " Is our world out of control?' The answer Jake left was in all believers, NO, Our God in control. Jake had the last laugh with me for the picture of the polar bears did not represent global warming to me as the writer intended for it to be but for "polar bear" that know and now lives with who is in control!
My name is Travis Gilbert and I was one of Jakes close friends. I have known Jake since we were about 5 or 6 years old. One day after i had had spent the night with him we were riding his Go-Kart and doing donuts in one of his fields. Well lets just say that one time things didnt work out that great and we kinda flipped his Go-Kart and ended up landing on our side. Luckily we had our seat belts on and neither one of us got hurt, but i couldnt get mine off so jake had to get it off for me. Next we pushed the Go-Kart back over, but then it wouldnt start back up. So we rolled the Go-Kart under the shade. Jake knew a path through the woods to get back to his house so we took the and got back to his house safely. When we got back to his house Denis asked us where the Go-Kart was and we lied to him and said that it just stopped on us and messed up. Denis Believed and a little while later i had to leave jakes house. Later that night i called jake to ask him if if denis had fixed it. He said that after i left his house they went to see what was wrong with it and he said that it started up the first time they tried. So we never did get in trouble. I will always remember jake and i will help the hodhe family in any way i can.
Memories of Jake and that sweet, mischievous little smile on his face will never leave my mind. Jake was always so pleased to see my children, Maeson and McKenna. From the time that McKenna was born, Jake would run to see her not caring where we were or what was going on. He would say, “You are so cute.” And he would just laugh at just about everything that McKenna would say or do.
Maeson and Jake shared very similar interests (baseball and football). When hearing of Jake’s trip home to be with God, I asked Maeson if he was okay. He looked at me and smiled. He said, “Mom, I am not gonna be sad or cry because Jake and I played at the ballpark one last time. He said and that is something that I have that is special to me. I will miss him though.” They played the Wednesday before Jake’s trip home. It was special to Maeson because of various circumstances, they had not gotten to spend much time together during the last year or so. He actually came home that night and mentioned how much fun that he had playing with Jake at the ballpark. There are numerous memories of Jake, Denis, Shannon, and Jessi that have gone through my mind in the last couple of days from watching Jake and Jessi ride horses, to making chocolate chip cookies with Jake at my home, to celebrating the births of ponies and horses, to putting up our Christmas tree at my home when he was there playing with Maeson, trying to make him give me a kiss at the ballpark, watching him hit shots on the basketball court, Maeson and Jake turning the four wheeler over (boy was that a scary one), to making fun of Jered on his little motorcycle (because Jered was so big and Jake’s motorcycle was so small).
One memory that Jered and I were talking about goes like this: One Saturday Maeson and Jake were riding the four wheeler in the mud at the bottom of the hill in the field. They had been cutting doughnuts in the mud. Then, they came up into the yard and were riding the four wheeler around and around the house. Jered and Denis saw how fast they were going around the house and were on their way outside to “slow the boys down”. Well, needless to say the four wheeler turned over. The boys appeared okay, but Jake did get a busted nose and a busted tale (from Denis)! Maeson told me how upset and worried that “Coach Denis” and “Coach Shannon” were about him. Well, Sunday Maeson woke up with a headache and no one had told me about the incident at that point. I was told about the accident sometime on Sunday because Maeson started vomiting. Jered suggested that Maeson go to the emergency room because Maeson started vomiting. Maeson had a stomach virus according to physicians. No head injuries of any kind. Denis called me and checked on Maeson from school that Monday after Jered had told him about the trip to the ER. He told me how worried he and Shannon were about Maeson. Yes, some of the memories resulted in the boys getting in trouble, but they were together getting into trouble sometimes with Jered and Denis! (In the incident with the four wheeler) However, there has never been a doubt about the love that Denis and Shannon have had for my children as well as their own. The day that McKenna was brought home from the hospital, Shannon, Jessi, and Jake came to see McKenna and hold her. I think they were as excited as we were about McKenna's birth. Jessi and Jake always knew how to behave and how to live for God.
I honestly don’t think that I will go to the ballpark, Rocket Arena, or any sporting event that Jake will not be in my mind or his family in my prayers. The night that we put up the Christmas tree, Jake asked me why I had so many Christmas ornaments. I explained that the ornaments were from every year and that they just accumulated over the years. Jake just smiled. I said, “Jake, smile, we are having fun and making memories.” He laughed at me and told me how silly he thought that I was.
Sometimes, people are leaders and examples for others and they don’t even realize that they are. Jake was just living his life the way that he thought was best. However, at the same time he was setting an example for his peers as well as others that he may have had contact with. Denis and Shannon have always been examples for the youth of the community. Whether it is living for God, good sportsmanship, being a good friend to someone, The Hodge family has set a good example for the community. There are no explanations for some of the things that happen in our lives, the only peace that I have gathered within myself is knowing that Jake is in heaven with God. I had received an e-mail from someone and this quote from Tim McGraw was at end.
'We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere.'
It made me think of Jake and the way that he has lived, impacting the lives of others.
**My husband, Jered, coached basketball 4+ years with Shannon and baseball 10+ years with Denis**
Joy Myers
All the memories I have of Jake are good ones. They are the kind of memories that I look back on and laugh about. I played basketball for the Lady Rockets and got to know Jake from about the age of 4 to 12. When you played basketball, you pretty much became family. We spent more time together with our basketball family than our real family. When I got the news about Jake I felt as though I lost a little brother. I watched him grow up and become the amazingly talented kid he was. I have always said that I want my kids to be like Jessi and Jake and it still stands true. Everyone says something about his smile and how it could light up a room and it's true. There was just something about Jake that made you smile too. Denis told the story about Jake quitting and crying whenever he was about to lose when he was younger, but as he grew up and got better his strategy changed. I'd play him and if he was about to lose he'd always beg to start over and not finish the game because he didn't take losing well. You couldn't blame him for trying...he was a Hodge...competition ran in his blood. During basketball we shared many memories with Jake and I remember when we all used to tease Jake and call him John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt because his own name was so long and he would always get mad about it for two seconds and then be back to his happy little self. He hated it so much we couldn't help but do it. Then there were the times when we'd have to kick him out of the locker room because he was getting too old and the times he'd always run off and tell Coach Hodge about something we had done or didn't do that we didn't want Coach finding out about. After games he'd be like a little coach and tell us what we needed to do better, what was good, and then we'd laugh about funny things that happened while we played. During practices he always wanted to do drills with us and he usually did them better than we did. My most cherished memory of Jake was the day he got #11. I was #11 all through my years of ball and the day he got that number he came up to me before practice and was like "Guess what number I got...#11 just like you Mathieu!" I'd love to go to games and see my old number running up and down the court and know that I somehow impacted his life. I would have to say that he wore it better than me. Mrs. Coach Hodge is a woman that I look up to and admire in every aspect of her life. I know how strong this family is and God wouldn't throw anything at them that they couldn't handle. Everything happens for a reason. We are ALL going to miss Jake greatly but God had bigger and better plans for him. He is in a better place and is probably up there hoopin' on all those kids in heaven.
My prayers are with your family at this tragic time. I went to school in Marion when I was younger and heard of this just recently. May God wrap his arms around you all and be with you in your time of need.
Alicia McMain(Ricketson)
Owensboro,KY
Mr. Coach hodge and Mrs.Hodge and Jessi,
I am so sorry about you loss of your son and your brother he was a great guy and who know what he could have done but you and i both know that god was done with him. He was great at all he did. May God Bless your family at this time
Alicia Lockhart Wilkinson aka little patton
To the Hodge family
I want to tell you how sorry for the loss of your son and brother.
we are praying for all of you.God will take care of his people.He sounds like he was a very good christian boy.That is the main thing.You will see him again.We love you guys.You are in our prays and thoughts.
Shelia Patton Wilkinson
I've known Jake since I can remember. We've always gone to the same church and we have been friends. One thing I will never forget is when I was four and he was three and we were playing on our soccer team. Apparently, I didn't make a goal so we lost a game. This, of course, made Jake angry! He told me what I had done wrong, and made sure I knew it! Though the next game, I scored a goal, plus, it was the winning goal! Once I had made the goal, Jake ran to me and gave me a huge hug! I'll never forget that!
Since I had known Jake my whole life, this was a huge blow to me. Who would have thought of Jake of all people? But Jake had done everything he was supposed to do here. I've heard so many wonderful things about him from friends and teachers.
The Hodge family will remain in my prayers. I love you guys!
~Ellen Merrick
Our names are Billy and Sharron McDaniel. Our 12yr old son Cameron has grown up with Jake. They've known each other through Church, Daycare, School, Soccer and Baseball. They were closer when they were younger. In the last few years they have taken different paths with activites. Billy had the pleasure to coach Jake in little league soccer and baseball. We have known all of Jake's family and extended family for many years. I believe the kid's that are Jake's age and their parents' have been greatly affected by jake's passing. I have already written down and shared with the family some memories of Jake when he was younger. Cameron hasn't talked much but has recently shared that he can remember a time when attending the Tiny Tot Daycare that Jake's Paternal Grandmother Chris Hodge owns. Jake, Colby and Cameron went into the kitchen as Jake said they could play in there. The three of them got into the freezer and with large spoons sat in the floor eating vanilla ice cream. Cameron says they didn't get caught so Ms.Chris never knew. Well, Ms. Chris you know now. Just another fun loving, mischevious thing Jake and his buddies got into. I hope when anyone visualizes three young boys sitting in the floor eating ice cream and trying to not get caught, it brings a smile to your face. We're proud that Cameron had an opportunity to have Jake as a friend. He was the kind of boy that would say and do the right thing at the right time. These are values we hope to be successful in teaching Cameron. Jake was a Christian and so is Cameron. It is our prayer that Jake will continue to touch lives leading them to know and accept Christ regardless of their age.
p.s I agree with Joy Myers quote from Tim McGraw that even though we take different paths, we take a little of everyone where ever we go.
Jake was an awsome kid he always had a smile on his face and was always eager to play sports he was the kinda kid that you felt good to be around no matter how bad your day had been he was a great insperation to many people and still is. This loss has affected the community in a huge way! just the way that the little guy could play basketball Better than half the kids in the school made you envy his ability and say to yourself WOW! He was born with those abilities and his awsome heart for everyone came from his mom, dad, and older sister they enstilled in him that the way to stick out in this world not only is to be great in sports but to have the best character that you can have! Dennis and Shannon both have changed my live in many different ways and i am very greatfull for that. the whole hodge family has absolutly changed the way that i look at life and how you must live your life to the fullest and give that extra 110% in no-matter what it is that your are doing and that you have to have good character with it and those are the things that no one can take from you we always need to remember that! Me and my family are here for you guys Denis, Shannon, And Jessi! if you ever need anyhting dont hesitate to call we all are keeping you in our prayers!
Love Yall' and God Bless,
Justin and the rest of the DeFreitas family
To the Hodge family
I want to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
If there is anything you need please let me know.
I really didn't know your son jake,
but i hear he was a great kid. I did grauduated with Shannon.
Jake and Denis had been out to my place a few times to work on Jake's pitching. From the first time I met him I could tell he was a fine young man. He was quite the athlete just like his father. Denis and I played for Paducah's american legion team (I won't say how long ago that was) and also played against each other in college. Of all the years I played I can't remember anyone that played the game any harder than Denis. From what I have seen and heard from his peers, Jake was a chip off the old block. We will all miss him. Although his time here on Earth was short he made an impact that will never be forgotten. We will continue to think about the Hodges each and every day and pray for the precious healing of God's hand.
Sincerely,
Kent, Sandra, Kenzie and Katie Wallace
Chris Hardesty said ...
My thoughts and prayers go out to Denis, Shannon and Jessi on the loss of their son and brother, Jake. As a sportswtiter at The Crittenden Press since August 14, 1997, I have had the pleasure of working with Shannon as the head varsity girls basketball coach and Denis as the head varsity baseball coach. My memories of Jake include him practicing basketball at Rocket Gym while I was interviewing Shannon about the girls game that had just been played. I also remember Jake coming into the dugout to watch America's pastime with us during Rocket baseball games. Denis is my best friend and I have known he and Shannon since 1978 when they were teammates with me and my brother during Little League basketball here in Crittenden County. Jessi is going to be one of the best point guards to ever come out of the Lady Rocket basketball program and will play on the college level. We will see Jake again in heaven some day at the heavenly Bible Class in the sky.
Chris Hardesty June 28, 2008 11:02 p.m.
I was very sad to here of Jake's passing.He was so young to have done so much in a short time. I pray that God will comfort the Hodge family in this time. Know that the Lord is with you , with his hands around you. You will all be in my prayers. Love Cathy, in Indiana,.... Judy Hodge's daughter
My son, Triston, plays for the Christian County BatCats. (He was the catcher Saturday night.) Our prayers are with your family. If there is anything at all that you need please feel free to let us know.
Laura batcats22@bellsouth.net
this is probably the hardest thing i have ever done. i've been reading these comments everyone has left and i write mine with tears in my eyes. I play basketball for shannon, jessi is one of my best friends, and denis is my teacher. Jake was pretty much a little brother to me. I'm still so shocked and sad. i remember riding horses with jake and jessi, goin to rodeos with them, goin out to eat with them. Jake was always there, and sometimes he could annoy all of us but he was always there and thats what i'm goin to miss most. I'll never see him walking out of Rocket Arena calling me a loser, which i think he did daily. Thats hard to imagine, so I'll just imagine him with God. He was great and what you guys are doing for other kids is great, you are the most giving people i've ever met. Jake will never be forgotten.
God bless you and they people Jake affected. I love you guys.
-Talaney
The Hodge Family,
I cant understand what this has to be like for you and your family at this time. Jake a great young kid. He i know that life was great, because he had a loving mother father. Jake also had his sister who I know loved him with everything she had to offer.I know things will be tough through the years to come, but just remember to keep God near and Jake will ALWAYS be there too. Your family are in mine and my Church family's prayers also. I got the opportunity to personally know jake,I got to shots some hoops with him while waithing for a basketballl game to start. He could throw that ball in the hoop from half court.I will always remember his great passion in everything he did, he never gave up in life. I love you all so much. Jake will be greatly missed by everybody and his name will never be forgotten. May God bless you and your family. Remember God ALWAYS has a plan, my mom and grandma told me that. I get through alot by knowing that.
Love you all,
Courtney Todd
Student of Coach Hodge
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I can't imagine the pain you must feel but I know there is comfort in your heart knowing he is in the care of the good Lord above.
Wren Riley
Former CCHS Student
As I try to find the words to tell you how sorry I am for your loss I realize there are no such words. I have a child the same age as Jake, having him leave my side is unimaginable.
I didn't know Jake personally, but I have always "known" him through his family, sporting events, and church events. His wonderful athletic ability preceded him and made him "famous" among his peers. Through this "fame" and his untimely death, so much has been and will continue to be achieved.
Even though Jake left this world he will continue to influence others. My son, Hunter, called me to his bedside on the Sunday night after his death wanting to be saved and Baptized as soon as possible. We had talked about this previously, but the urgency was because of Jake. He said "We don't know how long we have." Because of Jake, I know today, where Hunter will spend eternity.
There hasn't been a day go by that I haven't thought about Jake and his family and the tremendous emptiness they must feel. But, the strength shown by them through this has been an inspiration to me and many others. Through his life and death Jake will continue to make a difference in the lives of so many.
Thank you all for the difference you made in my life and my son's life this past week. May God continue to bless you and give you strength.
Kelly Stone
Jake was a good friend..one time at a basketball game he went tothe basketball game in Crittenden and i was playin basketball for the Lady Tigers and i was running and Jake yelled Carly your shoes unitied..and i looked they all started laughing. Jke will always be in my heart forever! My prayers go to the Hodge family
Luv
♥Carly♥
I lift my eyes to the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1&2
Denis, Shannon and Jessi,
Our prayers are with you and we will continue to pray for you. Buddy and I can't image what your going through. We didn't know Jake personally but through Uncle Ronnie and Colby we felt like we knew him. We have many memories of Denis and Shannon through school, and we know its no surprise the wonderful young man Jake had turned out to be.We as believers know that God has a plan, and we trust that it is good, because HIS word promises in all things he works for our good and HIS glory. My prayer is that in this time you will feel God's precense more than you ever have and that the peace that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Thank you for the wonderful words spoken at Jake's funeral and for sharing your heart and faith in Christ with all of us. Buddy and I love all of you very much!
Jake, what can i say about my best friend passing away.?
jake was my best friend he lisened to everything i had to say. even if it was stupid.!!! one time a older kid was bulling me at the park and jake steped up for me! Dennis, Shannon and jessie im terriblely sad for your loss, of jake. jake was one grade ahead of me but he felt like my twin brother. Dennis, Shannon and Jessie,im very sad for the terrible loss of your son and brother Your Friend Kayla Ann Davis
My name is Autumn Stringer and i didnt know Jake but i was his moms student last year. i hope god blesses his family and everyone who was close to him. and im sorry i didnt get to be close friends with him as some of the other people at CCMS and CCHS. i am truly sorry. Bless you all and i love you. my thought and prayers will of you and everyone close to you. Autumn Stringer, Marion KY
Denis and Shannon Hodge,
I apoligize deeply for what has happened to you and the Marion community. I miss the oppurtunity to become his friend and regret it. He seemed like a good kid. Always coming to school with a smile evem if it was Saturday school. and the way he influnced so many people to do better... just amazing. You to raised a good... no a great kid. Once again mt deepest sorrow goes to you two and everyone close. Bless you and everyone affected by this terrible lose. Autumn Stringer Marion Ky
♥jake was a very good you dont realize how special somebody is untill there gone your always in my prays.R.I.P jake.♥
~allie
Coach
Playing ball for you and being a part of your team the past four years has made me close to you,denis,jessi and jake. I love each of you as if you were my family and i think i spent more time with you and the team than i did my own family. When cozart called me with the news of jakes death I could hardly believe it. Many memories of jake over the years just rushed to my mind. From memories of jake on the basketball bus trying to embarrass jessi, to jake practicing with the team and showing up everybody! There were so many memories that came back to me as i sat on the phone crying with cozart but there is one that always comes back to mind. It was after a basketball game and everyone else in the gym had left. Jessi and Jake were waiting on you to finish watching film or whatever you were doing at the time. Jessi and I sat down on the bleachers and were talking about things that had happened that day at school and Jake was out on the court shooting around. He was shooting from half court and neither of us thought he could make it but Jake stunned us both when he made that first shot from half court. I thought it was just out of luck so I told him to do it again. Never did I think that Jake would shoot from half court a second time and make it! He continued shooting from half court,each time making sure jessi and I were still watching, until he was satisfied and then he moved farther back and began shooting from the opposite free throw line. Jake had a lot of heart and was very driven. If he wanted something bad enough he wouldn't stop until he got it.
It's still hard to believe that Jake is really gone and sometimes I find myself thinking that it was just a bad dream but I know that Jake is in a better place now and that he is smiling and making heaven even brighter. Coach,Denis, and lil Jessi...I love you all and am here if you ever need anything!! And as for Jake, I'm going to miss you buddy! I only hope that I can live my life to the fullest as you did! You've changed so many lives and I can't wait to get to heaven to see you shooting those three's from halfcourt! Love you buddy!
It was early morning on a normal summer day when my daughter, Mollie McGowan, walked across the street and told me one her students had passed and about Jake. Mollie was Jake's second grade teacher at CCES. That day was no longer normal for any of our family. It touched us deeply. She told me what a great student and athlete Jake was. I think it is wonderful that you are doing the Memorial Project for Jake. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Linda Bennett
I don't know Jake. but i was there in new mexico the night you guys dedicated that rodeo to him. Thats the sadiest story there could be. God bless you through this tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am very sorry.
Nicole Chubner
Ottawa Lake, Michigan
The first time I met Jake was at Logan's Restaraunt. He was 3 or 4 and I didn't realize it until then that my son, Travis, and Jake were the same age. I thought it was neat that they would be in the same grade and grow up together. Over the years Jake became like a second son to my husband, Brad, and I. Travis and Jake played baseball, basketball and football together and Brad coached them. They didn't just play sports together they were very close off the field. I used to kid Jake because he never wanted to go home alone and usually it wasn't just one of the boys staying it would be 2-4 at a time. When I think of Jake it isn't just one story that comes to mind it's numberous things that I would like to share. Jake and my daughter, Paige, fought just like siblings. She got on his nerves and his on hers but they were manys times, usually when no one could see, Jake would play with Paige and she loved getting his attention. Jake had the most amazing smile and if you've seen it then you know what I'm talking about. (except when "us moms" would make him pose for a picture when we got 2nd place) Jake loved kids. He was so good to our u12 Rockets batboy, Logan Tom. I loved to see him with his cousins, he was always loving on them. I can see the look Jake and Denis would give each other when things weren't going our way. Jake had an underwear problem, he was ALWAYS pulling at them. On our way to an all-star game one night, Jake and Travis were in the backseat giggling and when I asked what was so funny, Jake told me how babies were made. They were 8 and it was a hilarious explanation. Jake sounded so much like Denis during our games. I can hear him from the dugout shouting, "Get a rip here kid, get a rip," or "Watch out for this kids curveball." Before most of our games I would tell Jake that I loved to watch him play ball and Jake would laugh and tell me that he loved watching me "do book." Jake wasn't a saint, he could be so obnoxiuos. He and his friends/teammates were so competetive with each other, always trying to out do each other. They could get so mad at each other but it was like a switch they could turn off and be over it. Most of the boys played all three sports together. All of the wins, loses and championships are precious but will NEVER be the same. A week after Jake's death the u12 Rockets voted and played in a tournament in memory of Jake. We lost our first game but went 4-2 for the weekend and made it to the championship game. We lost, coming in 2nd place AGAIN. Aaron Owen had 4 homeruns and Brenden Phillips had 2. We had 58 hits for the tournament, the most ever. As Ms. Chris said it Jake was our angel in the outfield. I am so thankful for all of the memories we have and those memories will FOREVER keep Jake Hodge alive. We will never forget Jake and we will always miss our #11.
To his family I pray for comfort by God's healing hands and to our "team family" faith will get us through. I love you all.
Valerie Gilbert
I've already made one comment. Having known Jake and his family for many years more may follow. After recently getting new carpet in our home and putting things back, storing or throwing away, I found a stuffed animal that belongs to our now 12 yr old son Cameron. When Cameron and Jake were at Jake's Grandmother's Day Care,Tiny Tot, Jake had a sock monkey that his Grandmother Chris Hodge made. At the age of 3 or 4 Jake would let Cameron sleep with the monkey. I then found one later for Cameron so they both could have one to sleep with. I work with preschoolers and know too well that they don't often share items easily. So, there is no doubt in my mind that from birth with Jake's personality and incredible talent for athletics, these were all God given gifts. While Jake had a gift of being naturally talent, it was as if he would practice to perfect what he already had where most kids practice to improve and be decent. In the days ahead when kids return to school and their activities, I hope they can remember fun times with Jake that will help them to bring a smile to their face and have a laugh.
Jake was my only nephew. In the past few weeks I have told numerous people that Jessi and Jake were my babies before I had two babies of my own. Shannon and I have always been very close to each other. She has been like a mother hen over me since I am her younger sister. My family has often joked that she is the strong one, not me, but only God can get a family and parents through a time like this.
Jake was very ready for me to have babies of my own because he wanted more boys to even out the numbers around Granny and Papa's house. He was out numbered 3 to 1/ girls vs boys and of course with his competitive spirit he did not like those odds. Jessi, Maggie, and Mauri did have the girl power over him for a little while. I can remember calling to tell Jake that I was indeed expected that "boy cousin" that he wanted so badly. Jake was partly responsible for nicknaming Tucker "Tucker Bug" and "TB". Jake was especially proud when the numbers evened out to 3 on 3 when Turner arrived two years later.
Yesterday when I opened this site and started to read all the the wonderful comments I started to cry. Tucker stopped playing and came to check on me. When Tucker and Turner saw Jake's baseball picture they wanted to kiss him so I cried even more as I lifted both of them up to the computer screen to kiss Jake. Tucker quickly instructed me to stop crying. I told him that I just missed Jake and I wanted Jake to be able to teach him to play baseball. Tucker looked up at me, smiled and said, "mommy, Jake already taught me how to play ball". I only hope Tucker and Turner can play ball half as good as Jake did. Jake did teach all of us so many things in his short time here on earth. I so wish his life could have been longer but God needed a talented, loving boy for something really special so he called him home. Now, we have big shoes to fill so we must keep playing ball, smiling big, and living our lives for Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let Jake be your special Angel,
I Love You Jake Man,
Love Your NaNa
Shawna Sharp
Well it's has been a bit more than a month and I've decided it was time to read through these memories. Jakes passing is still incredibly hard to believe for my entire family as we still talk about memories of him. Cameron has many great memories of Jake and be sure he will carry them forever. It is hard to imagine a family who was better prepared than yours. I will always remember what i heard you say at the funeral home, "we may have had only 12 years, but we had more fun than many do in a lifetime". It has really made me think alot about the importance of god, family, kids and work. It is so easy to get them out of whack. I have several favorite memories of Jake, 1) Baby Dedication with Cameron and Jake, 2) Little League Baseball, Rookie League and his encouraging comments toward Cameron, always being positive and helping, my assistant coach 3) Soccer in Mayfield where I needed one goal to avoid a tie, called the team to the sideline, worked a special play for Jake with 45 seconds to go..The Blastoff...and it worked to perfection with jake scoring the goal 4) Jake coming to the house riding the Go-cart with Cameron and begging him to stop cause he thought Cameron was going to take him over the cliff (first time I remember Cameron getting the better of Jake) 5) Jake pouring gatorade on me after we one the 9-10 year old baseball tournament. Most of all I remember a boy who smiled, loved life, was never boastful (although he had a right to) and a good friend to my son. I will never forget the hurt in Camerons eyes that night at the funeral home with Shannon took him to see Jake, he looked and ran out. We miss you Jake but will never forget you.
I had the honor of being Jake’s preschool teacher at Tiny Tot. Losing Jake was like losing one of the family. Jake was extremely smart. He was the kind of student a teacher likes to have. He was eager to learn and retained what he was taught. Even as a preschooler Jake enjoyed sports. Jake could be found on the playground involved in some kind of sport, whether it was racing with others or kicking a ball as far as he could. When he got older and into elementary school, he would visit at Tiny Tot often. He found some kind of sport to play with the other school kids. This might be wiffle ball, basketball, soccer, or kickball. Jake had a knack for making up the rules as he went along. He was a competitor and he wanted to win. Jake and I did have something in common and that was a love for chocolate ice cream. I enjoyed watching Jake and Jessi grow up over the last 10 years I have been at Tiny Tot. Whenever I saw them, I couldn’t believe how mature they were getting. My heart, prayers, and sympathy go out to all of the family. May God give you comfort and peace.
Ms. Karla
♥Jake Hodge♥
A Dedicated Athlete
but not only that
a close friend 2 several people
I knoe i wasnt very close with him but...
he was a great and smart kid
he always had is work in on time
he always had A's & B's
i know all of us our sad...
but we shouldnt be
becuz god has a reason 4 everything
and hes in a better place
not just better...
awesome...hes in paridise
he loved horses
and remember
♥ Never 4get him♥
keep him in ur hearts
Do stuff for him that tells him
u still luv him with all ur heart
so dont be sad that hes gone
be happy that it happend
to show him u still luv him...
join the group
We Miss You Jake
and when u want to think about him go to it
Beleive in god & jesus christ and u will see him one day...
in heaven
♥6/21/08♥
pray 4 the Hodge family and his best friends like
Aaron, Brenden, Paxton, Travis, Exc.
Jake was in almost all of my classes!And me and him had a joke we were both "Tyreeta" and we would joke with each other all the time.In 1st grade he would call me "smores" because my last name is Sizemore.We had gym together and every single person wanted to be on his team,because his team always won.Me and him kinda grew up together,the same with all of his classmates.And i assure you that all of the 7th graders miss him because i sure do.We all wish that we could talk to him one more time, but we cant!I love you Jake. And continue praying for the hodge family.
Hello Hodge family,
My name is Lyn Larsen and I am the Wrangler Division Assistant Coordinator for the National High School Rodeo Association. Although I had never met Jake, I feel now as though I had known him and I just wanted to share with you some of the great things that took place at this years WJHFR in Gallup, New Mexico as a result of his passing. You might already be aware of the memorial we held in the arena during the week as a tribute to Jake; but to elaborate a bit, the National Director, Secretary and your National Team who represented your state did an outstanding job remembering Jake in the arena. I understand that he was an all-around sports type of guy- but his rodeo family certainly "did him proud" in the arena that night. I was fortunate enough to have watched the memorial and can assure you that there wasn't a dry eye in the stadium including my own. It has always been a rodeo tradition to honor those who have fallen and to lift those who remain but this team did one of the nicest jobs of this I have ever experienced. Mark and Tina Litkenhus were true "family members" who did a wonderful job relating to those of us who did not know him, what a wonderful kid he was and what an impact he had made on folks in his short life. The biggest reason I do this job is for these kids- if I were a wealthier person, I might even do it for free since it's these kids who make me really want to come to work every day. In addition to the memorial, your Kentucky Shooting Sports team shot in honor of Jake at the rifle range in Gallup. They each wore arm bands with his back number on them. As the National Shooting Sports coordinator for both divisions; I had the pleasure of witnessing record scores made in the event in Gallup (a 196 and 197 was shot by your Kentucky team). No other team (Junior High or High School) came close to that accomplishment. They told me personally that they were "doing this for Jake" and that they both knew he was with them that afternoon. In closing, I have the opportunity to work with a great bunch of kids from all over the country, Canada and Australia but the spirit these Kentucky kids brought with them was truly remarkable and I want to assure you that all the accomplishments they made in and out of the arena that week were done with your child's spirit in mind. In short- they gave it all for Jake just as he gave it all for them......
I wish you love, peace and the best in your project and in your lives......
Lyn Larsen
Wrangler Division Assistant Coordinator
NHSRA
I am very glad i had the pleasure to meet Jake and have class with him. God bless your family in this time of grieving. Jake was the funniest most best student ive ever met. I just wish i had seen him one more time before i moved. On behalf of the Graham family we miss you all. and God bless you all. Love Kennedy
I am Tommie Baker and I have had the greatest privilege of being one of Jake's U12 traveling baseball coaches for a couple of years. He was not only an exceptional ball player but was an outstanding young christian athlete that excelled in every sport he was involved in.
I nick named him "Jake Man" and he called me "Ta Ta" like my grandsons Landon and Logan Tom do. There was a kindness about Jake that made you want to be around him. Maybe it was that smile!
So many memories of Jake make us smile or chuckle. We would laugh because Jake didn't always think he needed a bath. Even after playing ball we would tease him about taking a bath and he'd say "I went swimming yesterday". Traveling with all these boys and their families have been fun and a blessing. Almost after every game the boys and coaches would meet in a group huddle to discuss what went right or wrong or plan the strategy for the next game. Almost every time our little bat boy Logan Tom would be in Jake's lap or in Aarons lap right in the middle of the huddle. Jake was always kind to Landon and Logan Tom. Between games Jake could be seen carrying Logan Tom on his shoulders. We can still feel his presence with us as we play ball. It's like we really do have an. angel in the out field
Denis and Shannon, your faith is a true testimony to all the lives your family has touched. Jessie, your light also shines and reflects the wonderful love from a great family.
We all have our own families but my family is also blessed to have our "baseball family". We've traveled together, shared ups and downs and we all share this great loss. Jake's in Heaven playing ball with the best of the best! We have the promise through faith in Jesus that we will see him again.
I have never attended a funeral that was so inspiring and up-lifting as Jake's. I was so honored and humbled to be one of Jake's Pall Bearers. All of our lives have been changed forever.
Denis, Shannon, Jessie, Mr Keith, Ms Chris, Mr Tony, Ms Patty and other family members. Our prayers will always be with you. We share a special freindship through loving Jake. I'll always love Jake and I love our ball boys. I'm so proud of them and their part of being Honary Pall Bearers for Jake.
Thank you "Jake Man" for all the memories
Tommie (Ta Ta) Baker
I'm so sorry for your loss....Jake was a great kid and he will be missed dearly....Dennis, Shannon, and Jessi will be in our prayers forever and Jake will forever remain in our hearts....
My name is Jamie Brown. I am a 38 year old father of Bailey and Briley Brown and
husband to Gina Brown. I have known and been friends with Denis and Shannon Hodge for over 20 years. I have known Jessi and Jake Hodge all their life. I really am saddened to have to make my first public writings in this form. While being honored to have known Jake Hodge, this is not the way I wanted to show my extreme lack of writing ability. Denis and I played American Legion Baseball together from 1986 – 1988. We both went to college in opposite directions, but reunited again in 1995 when I married Gina, who was from Marion, Kentucky as was Denis. I moved to Marion and started helping Denis coach high school baseball. Bailey and Jake have been close since birth and continued over the years to become closer and closer friends. Jessi and Bailey joined Kentucky Junior Rodeo in 2001. Jake joined the next year and Briley (my son) soon followed. For over 7 years Jake, Jessi, Bailey, Briley, and both sets of parents traveled across Kentucky rodeoing and creating memories of a lifetime. We had already made many but for 7 years it has been an amazing time that we all will never forget, but always be thankful for. I have told you all this to get to the greatest thing that God has allowed Jake Hodge to leave me and my family as a legacy, we’ll never forget, and I want everyone to know.
When we think of Jake, we think of that unforgettable smile, his love of God, his kindness and happiness, and his extreme hatred of losing. We have all heard the horror stories of Jake breaking the trophies that were not 1st place and even his unhappiness with receiving a “B” in the classroom, albeit very few,. He despised losing more than anyone, and quite honestly, he came by it straight from his Mother and Father. The story I am about to tell is just one of the many stories that our family got to experience with Jake. This one comes to mind so vividly, I must share it. Jake and Bailey were preparing for an event in rodeo called Ribbon Roping, this where you have a roper (Jake) who would chase a calf down the arena on horseback and rope it, then his partner (Bailey) would run down the arena on foot and rip the ribbon off the calf’s tail and run across a timer to receive a time. The fastest time won the event. As in anything, to get better you must practice. So one fall evening Shannon and Gina were the roping “coaches.” As best as I can recall, the ribbon roping practicing was over and the kids were now practicing their own break-away roping and competing against each other, as they had so many times before in different things. I can remember Bailey had gotten lucky a couple times and caught the calf and now Jake was behind the 8 ball so to speak. He continued roping and roping until he finally got even, and then basically said it’s over for the night and we could turn the cows out, which was fine with all of us, we were tired. This seems insignificant, but to anyone who knew Jake, knew that when he was on the verge of losing, sometimes he could make up new rules, pout, get mad or get even. We all loved Jake for all of these things because it made everyone around him better. This is just one of the typical competitive moments we had with Jake, but there are so many more.
To all parents, kids, friends and even grandparents, Jake taught us to deal with losing in so many ways, some not so good and some really good, but most importantly, to deal with it in our own way. Whether it be breaking a 2nd place trophy or never stopping until you at least got even, crying, remaining quiet or getting mad. Jake never accepted losing, he just dealt with it. God has wired everyone differently and we all act and react differently to tragedy, success, and failure and yes, even tragedy, but one thing is for sure, loss is going to be a part of everyone’s life here on this earth. Jakeman will never have to experience loss, in any form again. God has called him home for the biggest victory ever.
As I try to painfully finish, there was a time in my life when having children was not a goal of mine, because of the shape the world was in. I was scared to raise kids in an ungodly world, but an old baseball coach who, ironically, I work with every day, pulled me aside and told me that we could never make the world better unless put more Godly children in it. Jake did make a difference in this world and his memory will continue to do so. As for Denis, Shannon and Jessi, I pray you will continue on your path as God has laid before you, leading and teaching in our community, like so many years before, knowing without a shadow of a doubt, Jake’s death had a devine purpose. I believe you and your family are Godly enough to seek and find it one day, if not already.
Thank you Jakeman for being such a huge part of our lives for over 12 years, and to have touched so many lives in such a small amount of time, as you always did. I will enjoy seeing that smile again one day, in Heaven. We love you.
Jamie
Coach Hodge,
My heart goes out to you and your family. You are in my prayers.
love,
Brad M.
The Lord sure does work in misterious ways. I pray for you all everyday. Your lose is devistating and I know its got to be so difficult to go on without him. Hopefully one day we will all understand this. I thank God everyday for my buetiful healthy children and more so now. I hope that other parents will learn not to take a minute for granite. You guys are very loved in our community, church, and your families. I know that has to help give you the strenth to continue daily. May God continue to show you all the way. Love Always, Michelle(Sheffield)Yates& family
My name is Magan Sunderland, and I was one of Jake's close friends. Ive known Jake ever since kindargarten. I remember in kindargarten that Me, Jake, Maggie Collins, and Taylor Champion would always lay on top of the tables at nap time and act like we were watching the stars. We would talk just about anything. Jake and I loved to joke around with Devin Belt when he was taking a nap. Jake would whisper "Devin" in his hear while i would tickle his feet.
I have alot of memories throughout the years that include Jake. One that always seems to come to mind was at Maggie Collins' house, Jake, Jessi, Maggie, and I were racing on bikes around Maggies house. Jessi and Maggie were on a team, and Jake and I were on a team. We had a stopwatch and when Maggie and Jessi were racing around the house Jake would start the stopwatch early to make their time longer. When it was Jake and my turn, Jake went so fast around Maggies house, he couldnt stop. Finally Jake came in for a sudden stop, he had rode the bike uo the stairs and flattened the tires. He cried a while, but of-course got over it in about 3 minutes. Jake loved dressing up as a girl, and when Jake did dress up as a girl, he had to make sure every detail was perfect. I miss Jake. And its really hard watching all Jakes friends/team mates play basketball at break/recess. It wont ever be the same. He was seriously the light of our lunch table. I love Shannon, Dennis, and Jessi. And I wish I could be as strong as them. I will always remember Jake.
Magan Sunderland
hi, i am loni damboise from zolfo springs, Fl i am sorry about what happened to Jake. I was at Gallup this year and saw the opening that you did for him.My god bless you and my familys prayers are with you. Loni Damboise Zolfo Springs, Fl
dear Dennis and shanon.
You have always been in my hearts, as well as jake has, and i look at you guys at school, and i am touched how strong you guys can be. I know Jake is in a better place, and someday we will be also. I know this expierience has brought me closer to the Lord, as has many others. But of course, we're going to miss Jake on the Church pewcourt, field, arena, etc. But I know most people are going to miss him mostly just being there, with something to say, and a smile to say it with.
God Bless everybody,
and pray for the Hodges and myself,
as we try to live our lives to the fullest
-Bailey Brown
7th grade
9/2/08
I miss you so much Jake, and I love you
I saw Jake's mother today at the school. I wanted to walk up to Shannon and tell her just how truly sorry I was for her family's great loss. I chose not to approach her afraid that I would upset her at work.
Since this Tragedy, Our family has kept the Hodge family in our thoughts and prayers. I went to school with Denis and Shannon. I wonder how they manage to get through each day. I know that their strong faith in Christ is the reason.
My little boy was in Jake's class. He admired Jake's talent as a great athlete. Cory always came home from school and would tell me about how Jake had won another race in P.E. When he talked about the best athletes in the class, I would always here Jake's name.
A new year of school has began without Jake. Cory and his classmates miss him dearly. Its been wonderful to have the counselors at the school for the children. Cory comes home and talks about how Jake's mom comes and talks to them. It has been a blessing to have her helping our children in her time of loss.
Since this tragedy, I have realized how precious life truly is. That our children are precious gifts from God and we need to thank God for each and every day that we have them here on this earth.
Through this time my family and I have learned alot from this wonderful little boy. First to put Christ first in our lives. Secondly,to never take our friends and family for granted.
LaDarra Easley Johnson
Marion, KY
(ladarraj@live.com)
Thinking of Jake on his birthday.
Thank you God for Jake!
Miss you and your smile.
Theresa :)
Happy 13th birthday Jake! i wish you were here to celebrate it with but this year you're celebrating with GOD and all the angels! i find myself thinking about you sometimes and i still cant believe you're not here! i never realized how much you meant to me until you were gone...and im sorry for that! Coach, Denis, and Jessi you are still in my prayers! love you all and miss you Jake! happy bday!
My son has played USSSA baseball for the past 6 years so when we received the email from the state director about Jake's passing I was immediately drawn to it. I have followed the news of his death and read the new entries to his blog when I can. I just want you to know that even though I dont know the Hodges - Jake's death has affected me tremondously. It sounds like he was a great kid who had an impact on everyone he touched in his short time here on earth. My thoughts and prayers are with - Shannon - Dennis and Jessi. I know he is in heaven watching over his family. Leesa, Louisville, Kentucky.
We visited Marion many times this summer for Bobcat baseball games, and heard about Jake while there. My son was a Bobcat pitcher and I know your tragedy affected the Bobcat team as well, I had heard them talking about it. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
ill never forget the way Jake pushed me to be the best I could be. Playing against him in basketball and baseball.there is some people in life you'll never forget and Jake is one of those people. The way he handled himself on and off the court and field made me want to be better. I'll never forget being able to play with someone like Jake. Coach Hodge and family are in my thoughts and prayers.
lone oak guard #10,
west KY outlaws usssa baseball,
Matthew Moore
Dennis & Shanon,
(this is Audrey Barnett from KJRA)
I cant believe Jake is gone. I only knew him through rodeo, and didnt talk to him much. Now i look back and wish i could've had one last conversations with him. From seeing him ride, and watching him in general, i know that he was a great kid. Jake has given me more courage than i have ever had before. Just thinking of all the people i ignore, or just dont keep in contact with makes me think of just what whould happen if I dont wake in the morning. I talk to many more people now, and make more friends. You guys were blessed to have such a great Son.
God Bless,
Audrey Lynn Barnett
#47-Wrangler of KJRA
& Family
My name is Gina Brown. My husband, Jamie and I have a daughter, Bailey, 12 and a son, Briley who is 8. When I think about Jake Hodge, I can’t help but smile-then cry. I smile because of everything Jake has meant to our family for the past 12 years. We have shared so many memories with Denis, Shannon, Jessi and Jake. Jamie and Denis coached high school baseball together, so our first of many trips together was when we all went to Florida with the baseball team. Jake and Bailey were about 18 months old.
The two of them have always been close, always as buddies, then came a little more than just buddies when they were in the fourth grade and started “going out”. When most kids their age start “going out” the parents ask “Where are you going?” But in their case, there was no telling… we were always going somewhere.
Bailey and Jessi started Kentucky Junior Rodeo in 2001. Since that was a sport, Jake couldn’t stand just watching, and he joined the next year. For the last seven years we have made a lot of road trips together, traveling across the state, going to rodeos and making memories we’ll never forget. One of the most memorable trips was probably the time that Shannon and I, the four kids, three horses and a dog took off to London, KY. This was back in the days when we loaded up in Papaw Keith’s truck and pulled a stock trailer. Jamie and Denis were going to come together later in another truck because they were bringing home some fencing panels so the kids could have arenas to practice in. To make a long story short… When we got to Beaver Dam we realized we didn’t have any trailer lights and were stuck there for about 5 hours. Add that to an already 5 hour trip. Anyone who has ever traveled anywhere with Denis or Jake knows how many times you might have to stop for a bathroom break, whether it be a truckstop, convenient store, a restaurant or just on the side of the road. Well, needless to say, we’ve spent a lot of time on the road over the years.
Basketball-now there’s a sport Jake and Jessi both loved to play. As much as we were with the Hodge’s, Bailey either had to learn to play or just sit and watch. So thanks to the Hodge family, I believe basketball is my daughter’s first love. Jake was always her biggest competition, but also her biggest encourager. One day we were in Rocket Arena with Denis, and the kids were playing ball. Jake made Bailey so mad at him for saying she was “slow” or shot an “airball” or something, that she just ran at him as hard as she could, screaming, and kicked him right in the leg. They never stayed mad too long though and after he kept after her so much, the only thing she could do was get better at basketball.
The ONE and ONLY time that I think she ever beat him at anything was one of the best days of her life. It was at the youth triathalon. They were in different catagories (male and female) so they weren’t really against each other but they did race at the same time. Jake, being Jake, had to taunt her beforehand saying, “Bailey Brown, you’re goin’ down!” (numerous times). Well Bailey was on the swim team, so we weren’t real surprised when she finished first in the pool, but when she beat him back on the bikes we were like, well… he’ll surely beat her in the running part. When she came into view first and crossed the finish line before Jake, I don’t think anybody could believe it. Most of all Jake. He was still first place in the boy’s division, so he didn’t have to tear up any 2nd place trophy or anything, but he still didn’t like it much. Bailey didn’t say much to him about it, except for when he’d make her mad later on. It was mostly all in fun though.
One thing about Jake I’ll never forget is how he sometimes liked to dress up like a girl. When he was really little, he sometimes liked to wear a cheerleading uniform. I guess Denis never really minded, I think they actually let him wear it to Tiny Tot every now and then. Anyway, when Jake and Bailey were in the 5th grade, they had the idea for Bailey to wear Jake’s football uniform and he’d wear a cheerleading uniform for Halloween. I went and bought him a wig and he spent the night with us, so I could “fix him up.” He made such a cute girl, except for the hairy legs. But when we got to that school… everybody went wild! Even the little kids were coming to the 5th grade hall to see “Jake Hodge dressed up like a cheerleader!”
We have so many wonderful memories of Jake that it’s hard to just pick a few of my favorites. My whole family is going to miss him terribly. He has been so many things to Bailey and I’m sure nothing will ever be the same for her. We all loved him so much, but we have to consider ourselves blessed just by knowing such a great kid. So you see, for all the things we remember and loved about Jake-we smile. We just cry because we will miss him so much.
To Denis, Shannon, Jessi, and the Collins and Hodge families-we will continue to pray for you. We love you all.
Gina Brown
Dear Denis, Shannon, Jesse, Chris, and Keith,
It's been a long time (22 years!)since we were at Calvary Baptist in Crayne working with the teens. Denis was such an awesome young man, incredibe athlete, and had such a great testimony. We're not surprised that he and Shannon had such a great son in Jake, and we were so saddened to hear about his sudden death. We pray that God will continue to comfort you and strengthen you in the days ahead. I'm so glad that "we sorrow not at those who have no hope" and that we will meet Jake someday in heaven. Love, Greg and Chris Rogers
Dear Denis, Shannon, Jesse, Keith and Chris,
It's been a long time (22 years!) since we were at Calvary Baptist Church in Crayne working with the teens. We have great memories from our time there, and Denis was a big part of that. He was an awesome young man, incredible athlete, and had a great testimony. Sounds like what we read about Jake in the Crittenden Press that Wilma Allen sent us. We were not surprised that Denis and Shannon had such a great son in Jake but were so saddened to hear
about his sudden death. We are thankful that Jake was a saved young man, and had such a great testimony. As Christians we "sorrow not as those who have no hope", and we WILL meet Jake in heaven someday.
Love, Greg and Chris Rogers
I am extremely sad to read about Jake and his passing in June of 2008. Jake is a wonderful person with attributes that should be admired and respected. He has integrity, is honest, smart, and has athletic ability beyond his years. Summing up any amount of words would probably not do him any justice because he was such an original. He is truly a unique individual who will be missed. Even as an adult I admired Jake during the time I knew him. I remember Jake as always being in the gym or out on the baseball field having a great time enjoying life. Jake and his family always treated me like one of their own, as did the rest of the community in Crittenden County while I lived there. I was sad to leave and am even sadder now to read of Jakes passing.
Goodbye?
its just so hard to say.
One minute you could find yourself playing the best game of your life
and the next minute you could be attending your own funeral.
but for me I had to attend a dear friends funeral,
i was the hardest thing ive ever done.
Hes was a 12 yr old boy, different in every way.
he never doubted anyone, never had a harsh thing to say.
He taught me alot of things . ..
He taught me the great game of basketball.
me, maggie, jake and jessie would always play basketball after church potlucks and things.
and no matter how bad i was at basketball, hed ALWAYS pick me to be on his team.
and thats the team everybody should want to be on.
and I know he was younger than me, but i looked up to him.
without him, i would be lost, HONESTLY
i probley wouldnt of ever of played basketball, if it wasnt for him.
As much as I dont want to beleive hes gone I do,
but I know hes in a better place,
no pain, no suffering.
I will always remember all the times he called me crying about his girl problems and trying to get me to get _____ to give him another chance. I can remember a lot of things about him, his smile, his laugh and they way he talked.
Its just hard to do.
I never knew i could feel like this,
its hard to expect the fact your gone forever.
and for sum people your probley thinking I didnt know him, but we had sunday school together for a long time, we played basketball for fun together and i know i know him, maybe not as much as some, but I did and im thankful for that.
But, i have to thank Mr + Mrs Coach Hodge for raisng such a wonderful kid.
We miss Jake everybody does...we try not to CRY, we want to think its not true, but we have to face things in life that we only wish were only DREAMS and DREAMS were true life...
Now I can say, I truly witnessed a mircle,
but i didnt realize it, untill it was gone.
Randa Leidecker
Marion Ky.
I understand that GOD knows the things we cannot understand sometimes. I knew Dennis and Shannon from school and feel deeply for their loss. I pray for those that pain has hit. Dennis.....Shannon.........more people than you can imagine are praying for you two and relatives.
What I'll remember the most about Jake is his boundless energy, when he attended Tradewater Pirate games with his dad. Jake was full of life, and energy, and I'm sure he's carried that over to heaven, where God has him working daily on a number of things that require passion and energy. What we miss here on earth, we can look forward to in heaven, as God has promised each of us. Rick Hendrickson
I never got to personally know Jake, but I got to watch him compete in the rodeo, and he treated my little boy like someone he'd known his whole life the one time he met him. I absolutely love Jake's family, and they are a true inspiration to me. His mom, Shannon, has always been an inspiration to me as an athlete, a Christian, a mom, and just a fine person. I truly love her and mourn with her. You are all in my prayers.
Love,
Sheila P.
RIP Jake. Denis, we still pray for your and Shannons strength.
You are still missed. Little man.
I miss you soo muchh it hurts bestfriend. I love you.
I miss you soo muchh it hurts bestfriend. I love you.
-kathryn
Well its been two years now and I still find myself missin ya buddy! I visit ya when I can but its still hard to go out there! Just want you to know I've not forgotten ya and I still miss you tons lil man!
Wow, another year has gone by. Still miss your smile Jake.
Theresa :)
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