James M. Hodrick

James “Jim” M. Hodrick, 82, of Bethlehem, passed away following an extended illness at his home on April 13, 2018. Jim was husband to Rosemarie (Bukics) Hodrick and they celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in February. Born in Mount Carmel, PA, Jim was the son of the late James and Elizabeth (OHara) Hodrick. He attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel Elementary School and Mount Carmel Catholic High School where he graduated as Salutatorian of the Class of 1953.

Jim received a scholarship and attended Villanova University (53-54) but then decided to become a priest and matriculated at St. Jeromes College in Kitchener, Ontario where he graduated in 1957 with degrees in English and Latin. He attended St. Marys University in Baltimore, MD for three years but decided to pursue becoming an educator and left the seminary with a degree in Theology.

Jim began his teaching career at Notre Dame High School Green Pond in 1960. He taught English and Latin, coached football and track, and became Athletic Director in 1965. During this time, Jim attended Lehigh University and earned his Masters Degree in Secondary School Administration.

In December 1969, Jim was appointed vice principal of Allentown Central Catholic High School and in October 1976 became principal; thus began Jims role as “#1 Viking” for the rest of his life. Jims accomplishments at CCHS were numerous and the repercussions are still being felt today. Jim led the way for the school receiving three National Blue Ribbon of Excellence Awards (the most any school can receive) in 1983, 1993, and 1998. This is a labor intensive process and has a rigorous set of standards for which a school is judged. His pride for CCHS and the recognition these awards would bring to the school and the Diocese of Allentown was evident to all those who knew him.

CCHSs accomplishments on the athletic front were also a source of pride for Jim. During his tenure, CCHS won seven State Championships: three in Girls Basketball, two in Boys Basketball and two in Football. The schools academic and athletic success has ensured a robust enrollment and often times a waiting list over the years. Jim wanted every student to be challenged academically but to also have a variety of extracurricular opportunities.

Jim was also instrumental in importing professors from DeSales University to teach college-credit courses and setting up a special college program with Alvernia College for the CCHS student body.

In 1993, Jim was inducted into Notre Dame High Schools Wall of Fame and in December 1999, he was inducted into CCHSs Wall of Fame.

After full-time retirement, Jim was recruited to work part time with Bethlehem Catholic for eight years on its academic program. Jim spent 48 years working in Catholic Education.

Jim was also active in his parish, Notre Dame of Bethlehem; serving as a song leader, member of the parish council, and advisor to several pastors. He also served on the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools as a chairperson evaluating many high schools as they sought accreditation. Jim served on a committee led by Rep. Charlie Dent, interviewing high school seniors who were seeking nominations to US Military Academies.

Jim will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Rosemarie; children, Michael (Mary) of South Whitehall, Kevin (Tracy) of Allentown, Amy (Steve) Bishop of Bethlehem and Christine (Jason) Morrissey of North Bennington, VT; grandchildren, Nicole Hodrick, Zak Hodrick, Grant Bishop, Kyle Hodrick, Gabriella Bishop, Catherine Morrissey, Luke Hodrick and Mark Hodrick.

A viewing will be held on Monday, April 16, 2018 from 5-9 PM at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. A viewing will also be held on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 from 9-10:15 AM at Connell Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 AM at Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church, 1861 Catasauqua Rd. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial will be held at Holy Saviour Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Allentown Central Catholic High Schools Endowment Fund, 301 N. Fourth St. Allentown, PA or to Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church.

Cemetery
Holy Saviour Cemetery
2575 Linden St.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Viewing
Monday, April 16, 2018
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Viewing
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Mass of Christian Burial
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
11:00 AM
Notre Dame Catholic Church
1861 Catasauqua Rd.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531