James Clinton HodgesSterling CityJames Clinton Hodges passed away the evening of Monday, Nov. 28, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. Clinton was born on July 7, 1934 in San Angelo, Texas to Lewis Fred and Mary Elizabeth "Bettie" (Woods) Hodges. He spent his childhood getting an early start in his career learning to run the family's ranch and attending livestock shows. Clinton graduated from Sterling City High School in 1951 and attended San Angelo College from 1951-1952. He married Joyce Marie (Gartman) Hodges on March 20, 1953 in Arlington, Texas. They resided on the family ranch south of Sterling City where they continued the family tradition of owning and operating the Hodges Ranch which has been in operation since 1889. Throughout his life, he received numerous awards for the outstanding accomplishments with his Rambouillet sheep breeding operation. He spent an extensive amount of time exporting sheep to various countries and helping people learn about the breed so that they too could have a successful operation. Clinton and his family attended numerous livestock shows across the country where they won a multitude of awards. This tradition is carried on not only by his children, but his grandchildren as well. Some of his proudest moments were watching his grandchildren win in the show ring.Clinton was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Sterling City and served on various administrative and finance committees. He was also an active member of the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association for 55 years, in addition to serving a term as director. He contributed to various committees, spending time as a term director of the American Sheep Industry Association. He also served as President and director of the American Rambouillet Sheep Breeders Association. He volunteered to help state wide 4-H and FFA children become acquainted with the sheep industry and was always there to give guidance in any way that he could. He invited anyone that wanted to learn about sheep to the ranch so that he could share first-hand knowledge with them. Understanding the direction the sheep industry was turning and always keeping an eye out for the future, Clinton became one of the first producers in Texas to transition focus toward meat producing hair sheep. He leaves this legacy behind for his family to carry on. Clinton is survived by his wife Joyce; and children: Daughter Amy and husband Will Broome of San Angelo, TX; Daughter Becky and husband Randall Pittman of Katy, TX; Son Wesley and wife Karen Hodges of Sterling City, TX; Grandchildren: Zane Pittman, Melissa and husband Ryan Kindell, Courtney Hodges, Kalyn Hodges, Kade Hodges, and Louis Broome; Great-Granddaughter: Kimberlyn Kindell; Nieces and Nephews: Sue and Ronnie Reed, Betty Lou and Jonathon Shrauer, Fred and Janet Huffman, Betty Jo and Tony Madrid, Beverly and Kit Thompson. Along with several cousins, great nieces and great nephews, and many friends. Clinton was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Leora Barrett, Lucille Huffman, and Freda Brooks. Visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church in Sterling City on Wednesday Nov. 30, 2016 at 6 p.m. to 8 pm. The funeral service is at at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, at the First United Methodist Church in Sterling City. Graveside service will follow in Foster Cemetery. Service will be officiated by Pastor Jim Noble. Pallbearers are Frank Price, Randy McCrea, Steve Monreal, Art Roane, Roger Williams, and Wes Musick. Honorary pallbearers are Bill Humble, Stan Horwood, Charlie Davis, Jack Clark, James Thompson, Mike Bodine, and the members of the Friendship Sunday School Class. Ross Funeral Home is overseeing funeral arrangements. The family would like to thank Dr. Clark McDaniel and the doctors and staff of the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for providing the best care possible during his five-year battle with cancer. They would also like to thank the nurses and staff of the Sterling County Nursing Home and Kindred Care Hospice of San Angelo for taking such good care of him during his last months. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the MD Anderson Cancer Center ( gifts.mdanderson.org), First United Methodist Church of Sterling City, Sterling County 4-H & FFA programs, the Sterling County Library, the Dr. Swann Wellness Center or a .