Joseph Michael "Mike" Hodges

Joseph Michael “Mike” Hodges passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 14, 2026, at his home in South Jordan, Utah. He was 85 years old.

Mike was born on November 7, 1940, in Logan, Utah, to Gwen Johnson Hodges and Joseph Dalmaine Hodges. He spent his early childhood in Logan before moving at age nine to Weston, Idaho, where some of his fondest memories were formed. There, he loved riding his horse, Lady, a purebred American Saddle Horse, swimming in a nearby stream with his sister Karen and cousins, and playing on a rope swing near the family home.

From a young age, Mike’s life was marked by extraordinary resilience. A serious childhood accident required emergency surgery performed on his family’s kitchen table. As a teenager in Logan, he survived a devastating car accident while delivering newspapers that left him in a coma for nearly six weeks and caused lasting physical challenges. Through determination and grit, he relearned how to walk, adapted to using his left hand, and remained committed to his education despite significant obstacles. Yet another accident at age 17, when his leg was shattered while riding his horse, further tested his strength but never diminished his resolve.

Mike attended Utah State University with hopes of becoming a physician. Note-taking was a constant struggle with his left hand, and his studies required tremendous effort, yet he remained a determined student throughout. Though the physical limitations from his injuries ultimately made the path to medical school too difficult to pursue, he did not give up on a career in healthcare. He went on to earn a degree in pharmacy from the University of Utah, channeling his lifelong desire to help others into a dedicated and meaningful professional career.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mike served a mission in Germany.

He later married Linda Christoffersen, with whom he had three children: Eugene, Alan, and Susannah. Following their divorce, he met Frances Stanton in a singles ward in St. George, Utah. They were married on May 22, 1975, and later sealed in the Provo Utah Temple on May 27, 1978. Together they built a life and raised a large, blended family, including Frances’s children Patrick, Michael, Jamie, and Nicole, and their three sons together: Scott, Paul, and Daniel.

Mike’s life was not without continued health challenges. A later medical complication involving his esophagus nearly cost him his life, but once again, he endured and recovered, demonstrating the same perseverance that defined his life.

He found great joy in simple, meaningful things. Mike loved gardening and was especially proud of the vegetables and flowers he grew and often shared generously with neighbors. He enjoyed riding his bike, fishing, exploring the outdoors, listening to the radio—especially late-night talk shows—and reading the newspaper.

Mike was a man of deep frugality when it came to himself. He wore his clothes until they were little more than threads, always drove an older used car, and would sooner eat food past its date than see it go to waste. What others might discard, he found a use for. Yet this same man would spend freely and without hesitation when his family had a need. For his children, he gave generously even when it meant going without himself, and if they asked for his help, he did everything he could to be there. That contrast - quietly stretching every dollar for himself while opening his hands wide for those he loved - was one of the most defining expressions of his character.

Mike will be remembered for his quiet strength, his determination in the face of adversity, his deep love for his family, and his willingness to serve others. Whether shoveling a neighbor’s driveway after a snowstorm or sharing produce from his garden, he consistently looked for ways to help those around him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gwen Johnson Hodges and Joseph Dalmaine Hodges; his beloved wife, Frances Stanton Hodges; and his stepchildren Patrick Tait and Nicole Tait.

He is survived by his children and their spouses: Eugene and Marie Hodges, Alan and Rebecca Hodges, Susannah and Nathan Couch, Scott and Jenny Hodges, Paul and Manilyn Hodges, and Daniel and Paloma Hodges; Michael and Lisa Tait and Jamie and Jared King; his 30 grandchildren, Gabbie, Scotty, and Jacob; Kyler, Jacob (Jake), and Tyson (Ty); Emmett, Elias, Abby, and Eric; Brinlee, Austen, Spencer, and Brigham; Kendahl, Brantly, Kyle, Violet, and Hunter; Mickell, Justin, and Amanda; Logan, Preston, Dylan, and Kayley; and Jordan, Taylor, Sean, Carter, Quintin (Quin), and Hayleigh; and 21 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held on Saturday, March 28th in the LDS chapel located at 10124 S Temple Drive, South Jordan, Utah, with a viewing at 9:00am followed by the funeral at 11:00am.