My dad Jody Hudson has passed away. Dad was an endless source of love, knowledge, and inspiration to myself and many others. As a son and artist, I can not imagine a more wonderful dad, and friend. I know you’ll be checking out my blog dad, I love and miss you.

Friends and family, please add any thoughts or stories you may have to the comments section below.

Dad’s obituary…

Joseph “Jody” Hudson, Jr.

March 16, 1949 - November 11, 2008

Joseph R. “Jody” Hudson Jr. 59, of Lewes, passed away Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at his home. Jody was born March 16, 1949 in Milford and he was the first of 3 children born to Joe and the late Faye Hudson.

He graduated from Lewes High School in 1967 and then worked on the family farm until enlisting in the United States Coast Guard. After his tour in the Coast Guard, Jody came back to Lewes where he received his Real Estate license in 1972. Since 1972, Jody has been involved in the Real Estate Industry in various capacities including licensed Realtor, Broker, and Community Developer. Jody helped manage, sell, and/or develop: Cripple Creek, Eagle Crest Aerodrome, Lazy Lake, Overbrook Shores, Tanglewood, Cool Spring Farms, Covey Creek, and Cave Colony. 

Most recently Jody served as one of the most active members of the Positive Growth Alliance, and was elected President of the Board of Directors. Jody was very committed to his role as President and went above and beyond the call of duty to serve his board. 

Outside of his professional life, Jody was a loquacious, supportive and loving father, colorful character, gifted photographer, philosopher, listener, storyteller, salesman, business consultant, adventurer, pragmatic naturalist, avid target shooter, weapons expert, problem solver, reader, writer, patriot, protector of the Constitution, expert on most topics, an Avatar, and friend to many people near and far, who was prepared for anything. His ever-present smile, entertaining stories, enthusiastic conversations, commentaries, monologues, valuable suggestions, and numerous other unique contributions to the community will be missed. In faith, Jody was a Minister of the Church of Scientology, and had recently been attending the Lewes Church of Christ. 

Jody is survived by his three children, Joss Hudson and his wife Diana; Abraxas Hudson and Jazz Hudson; two grandchildren Savana and Kira Hudson; his father Joe and wife Christine Hudson; sister Susie Hudson, brother Craig and his wife Liz Hudson, step sister Janel Hudson; two nephews, Christian and his wife Julie Hudson, and Jamin Hudson. 

The Hudson family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the great outpouring of support that they have received from the community. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest that you make a charitable donation in Jody’s memory to the USO (United Services Organization) World Headquarters, Department WS, PO Box 96860, Washington, DC 20090-6860 or the organization of your choice in memory of Jody. 

Please check out dad’s website, http://JodyHudson.com

Photo above by dad’s friend, photographer Kevin Fleming

Thanks to Steve Plotkin for this beautiful video of dad’s memorial bonfire…

Please post your thoughts and stories about Dad at the link below…

In preparation for my trip to Yellowstone I have been streamlining my gear. My iPhone is set to update my blog from the field and my new (hopefully waterproof) tent just arrived! After spending a couple of days painting Lake Gerar in Rehoboth Beach I am ready to head out west…

I’ll be leaving my gallery in Milton on Monday morning! My plan is to spend a few days in Park City, Utah painting, and then I’ll drive to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park. Weather permitting (snow already at the upper elevations), I’ll camp and paint when I find a scene that speaks to me!

This blog entry is an experiment - the photo of myself painting and text entry were achieved with just my iphone! Look for more entries in the coming days as I roam the wild west!