Donald Jeffrey Hodges

Donald Jeffrey Hodges known by all as "Jeff" died at home on November 16, 2006 after a courageous battle with cancer. Jeff was born on December 6, 1958. He grew up in Refugio, TX where he graduated in 1977. He graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a degree in cartography in 1981. After college he worked for Pumpco in Giddings, TX for 7 years in the oil service division. Jeff was accepted into the Border Patrol Academy in Glynco, GA and graduated in 1988 from the Border Patrol class 219 and entered on duty to the Las Cruces Station in April of 1988. Jeff was promoted to Supervisory Border Patrol Agent in May of 1999. During Jeff's career with the Border Patrol he was Commander of the Search, Trauma and Recovery Team and was deployed to Salt Lake City for the Winter Olympics in February 2002. Jeff was an EMT-B since November of 2002. In July of 2003 Jeff was promoted to Field Operations Supervisor and transferred to the Santa Teresa, NM station. Jeff loved his job with the Border Patrol and leaves behind many friends he made during his career. In 1994 Jeff was married to Lisa Schlueter-Burcham. He was blessed with 2 beautiful children-Aaron age 8 and Lauryn age 6. Jeff was an animal lover and particularly loved Jack Russell Terriers. During Jeff's illness he joined the Jornada Lodge of the Mason's and was a Master Mason upon his death. Jeff was a devoted husband, loving father and loyal friend to many. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Jeff is survived by his wife Lisa and his children Aaron and Lauryn of Las Cruces; his father Jim Hodges and his wife Betty of Rockport, TX; his father-in-law Arnold Schlueter of Farmington, NM; sister-in-law Dena Camp and her husband Dale of Aztec, NM; sister-in-law Sherry Phillips of Phoenix, AZ; nephews Jason Lopez of Las Vegas, NV and Devin Camp of Aztec, NM; niece Kristin of Phoenix, AZ. He is also survived by his aunt Jeanelle and uncle Gerald Morgan of Refugio, TX, aunt Mildred Williams from Woodsboro of San Antonio, TX and uncle Donald Bunch of Refugio, TX many cousins and friends from Texas. Jeff was preceded in death by his mother Nellie Hodges in 2003 and his mother-in-law Anita Schlueter in 2001. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM on Sunday, November 19, 2006 at Getz Funeral Home. Funeral Services are at 10:00 AM on Monday, November 20, 2006 at St Paul's United Methodist Church with Rev. Gorton Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Masonic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 E. Montana, Las Cruces, NM 88005. PDF Printable Version