James Hoder Jr. and James Hoder Sr.: The Navy is a Family Affair

By Melanie Jakus, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interview Volunteer

The Navy is a family affair for the Hoders. James Hoder, Sr., joined the Navy in June of 1951 during the Korean War, following in the footsteps of his father. His brother, Don, also served in the Navy and years later his son, James Hoder, Jr., enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve during the Vietnam War. On HFC109, James Sr. and James Jr. have the distinction of being just the second father/son duo to fly as honored veterans together on an Honor Flight Chicago mission.

Jim Sr. was born in 1931and was a lifelong resident of Chicago, mostly on the Northwest side.  He graduated from Lane Tech High School in 1948.  He completed Boot Camp at the Great Lakes Naval Station, and he subsequently completed Underway training in San Diego and Radar School in Los Angeles, CA, in September of 1951.

His first assignment as a Radar Specialist in October of 1951 was to Pearl Harbor aboard the USS Tang 563 submarine, the first American submarine designed for superior underwater performance, rather than surface speed and handling. In December of 1951, he was deployed to Okinawa, Japan, then Korea, San Francisco and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  He returned back to Boston in 1952 and then again left for the Mediterranean in 1953 where he transferred to the USS Baltimore CA-68. 

President Eisenhower ordered the Baltimore to represent the United States Navy in the British Fleet Review at Spithead, and Jim Sr. had the honor of sailing to London for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in June of 1953 with all of the attendant festivities of the historical event. He has corresponded with Queen Elizabeth and in return received various correspondence from the Palace for various events and notes expressing gratitude.

The Baltimore returned to Boston in November of 1953, and Jim Sr. then transferred to the USS Worcester CL-144 which was serving at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, an operations and training base for the U.S. Navy.  He was discharged in June of 1955 having achieved the rank of RD3 and Petty Officer 3rd Class and several medals including the Navy Occupation Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and ROK PC.

Jim Sr. returned to civilian life working for 22 years as a lineman, installer and foreman for Illinois Bell.  He later started a Lawn & Tree Care franchise which he operated for approximately 20 years eventually retiring and transferring the business to his daughter.

Jim Sr. had four children with his first wife Dolores: James, Jr., Jeff, Janice and Judith.  Jim Jr. was born and raised in the Chicago suburban area most of his life.  He moved to Kansas with the family and graduated from Topeka West High School in 1969 before relocating back to Illinois.  He later attended Triton College in River Grove, IL, where he obtained a 2-year horticultural degree and subsequently a B.A. degree from Northeastern University.

Jim Jr completed Basic Training in 1970 at Great Lakes Naval Station.  He served on active duty the first three years of his service from 1970-1973.  He then was assigned to the ocean escort USS Davidson DE-1045 homeported in Pearl Harbor where his responsibilities began as a Boatswain’s Mate. His WestPac tours included the ports of Japan, Hong Kong, and the Philippines giving  Jim Jr a chance to see that part of the world and “do a lot of growing up in the process.”

Jim Jr. was in the U.S. Navy Reserve until 1976 and he achieved the rank of E-5.  He received various commendations for his active duty, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Vietnam Service Medal and a Combat Action Ribbon.

After his discharge, he was self-employed as a Certified Arborist in Illinois and then Wisconsin learning the business from his father and continues working today.

Jim Jr. has two children, Jennifer and Joanna, and is now married to Karen with whom he shares three stepchildren, Jennifer, Eric and Joseph, four grandchildren and four step-grandchildren. 

Father and son have stayed incredibly active. Jim Sr. is now married to Mary and they enjoy their six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He stays involved in the Scottish Rite, Shriners, the VFW and American Legion.  He has enjoyed golf and the martial arts in the past. Jim Jr. also enjoys golf and judo as well as tennis and baseball. 

Thank you, James Sr and James Jr,  for your many years of service to our country. Enjoy your day of honor in Washington D.C.  May your time viewing the Vietnam War Memorial provide you with a proud reflection of your service time.