James Hodges, 93, Bainbridge Inventor And Philanthropist

James Hodges' name should stick in people's minds.

The Nebraska-born chemist helped hold the nation together after World War II by inventing a plywood glue that revolutionized building and let him retire a rich man before 40.

The stylish philanthropist and storyteller also managed - with his sharpened pencil and giving ways - to hold together the Episcopalian Church in Western Washington, as well as the Bainbridge Island community - his home for 60 years.

Mr. Hodges died Sept. 11 at 93.

He came to Seattle in 1909, earned a business degree at the University of Washington in 1922, and pumped gas and sold building materials before inventing his glue.

"He was getting into business at a time when everyone else was jumping out of windows," said the Rev. Joseph Tiernan of Bainbridge Island's St. Barnabas Church - which Mr. Hodges built in 1946-47.

Tiernan said people on Bainbridge held Mr. Hodges "in awe," not only for his philanthropy - he built Bainbridge Library and developed road and water systems - but for his originality.

"To see Jim, in his plaid pants, hosting people at his house on Halloween," Tiernan said, "was a delight. And it delighted him."

Mr. Hodges would drive down to deliver copies of his wife Frances Stillman Hodges' poetry books to stores after they had sold out.

He also told stories on himself or others, poking fun at pomposity.

Much of his proper but fun-loving spirit found its way onto the stage. He appeared in Bainbridge Performing Arts productions such as "The Merry Widow," "Naughty Marietta" and "Little Mary Sunshine." He also built the island's Performing Arts Center, and served the Seattle Symphony and Seattle Art Museum.

His main role was as a lay pastor, financial adviser and investment director in the Episcopal Church's Diocese of Olympia.

"He made his fortune young," said the diocese bishop's secretary Barbara Brower, "then used this wonderful gift he had of finances for others, all his life."

His niece, Peggy Stockley, said her uncle earned an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in California in 1957. In 1960, he endowed a chair in liturgics there - the first fully endowed chair in the school's 67 years.

"He was really proud of his activity with the church," Stockley said. "He was one of the few laymen licensed to preach by the archbishop of Olympia."

Of English and German heritage, Mr. Hodges was an Anglophile and history buff. He loved going to Victoria, B.C., to stay at the Empress Hotel on his birthday.

His niece said he was proud of his accomplishments as a businessman, both during his money-earning days and his money-raising days for church and community groups. But he once confided to Tiernan that "he had spent more time working for $1 a year at the diocese than he'd spent in his career."

Other survivors include his wife, his niece's husband, Tom, and Mr. Hodges' sister-in-law, Margaret Hodges, all of Seattle; nephews Allyn Stillman and wife, Ann, Tacoma, and Frank Stillman, of California, and four grandnieces.

A service has been held. Remembrances may be sent to Helpline House, 282 Knechtel Way N.E., Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, or to St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 10207, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110.