Jody Hams

Jody Lee Hams died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Hillsboro under the care of Hospice at the age of 60 on Thursday, January 2, 2020. Jody, the eldest of four sons, was born on March 29, 1959, to parents Leslie and Eunice “Mick” Hams in Bridgeport, NE.  The family lived in various communities in Nebraska and North Dakota before planting roots in Hillsboro.  Jody’s parents instilled in him and his brothers a strong work ethic, the importance of family and friends, and a love for the outdoors. After graduating from Hillsboro High School in 1977, Jody studied Diesel Mechanics at a technical school in East Grand Forks, MN.  He met the love of his life, Becky, at a friend’s wedding in 1982, and they were happily married for 37 years.  They resided in Hillsboro, which is where they raised their two daughters. Jody had many hobbies that he enjoyed throughout his life, including snowmobiling, Tae Kwon Do, and watching Vikings games.  He was also a past member of the Hillsboro Fire Department and was an active member of the Sons of the American Legion.  However, Jody’s greatest joy in life was being with his family and spending time with his grandsons.  He was an amazing husband, father, son, brother, and friend to those who loved him. Jody worked predominantly as a mechanic throughout his life, but his last job was in farming and it was by far his favorite.  He enjoyed every day that he worked with Kozojed and Miller farms, and the people he worked with became like a second family.  Jody was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) in the fall of 2018.  He bravely battled ALS with grace, determination, and a positive outlook. Jody is survived by his wife Becky; daughters Michelle (Vivek) Singh and Elizabeth Hams (Neil Dotzenrod); brothers Jay, Jeff (Linda), and Jon; grandson Arjun Singh; and his extended family Jai, Vinika, Aryan, and Ryan Sorrot.  He was preceded in death by his parents. The family requests in lieu of flowers that any memorials be given to the ALS Association (MN/ND/SD Chapter) and/or Hospice of the Red River Valley in memory of Jody. A Prayer Service will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hillsboro on Thursday, January 9^th at 7p.m. with visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. before the service.  The funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10 a.m.  A lunch will follow the service.  Interment will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Boulger-Wildeman Funeral Home. To visit our guestbook please go to www.boulgerfuneralhome.com