James Hodges

July 11, 2025

Dear LMU Community:

I am heartbroken to share that James Hodges, an entrepreneurship major, died in a drowning incident on July 5, 2025, in Lake Isabella, California. James was 20 years old and recently completed his sophomore year in the LMU College of Business Administration.

James was a member of the Business Law Society, the Mane Entertainment programming team, and played men’s club basketball. He was a dedicated student who prioritized his studies and friends, a source of pride to his mother, Donna. Off campus, he had recently joined Live Nation Entertainment as a booking intern, bringing together his passions for music, sports, and business as he worked toward a career in the entertainment business. He was also an actor and model in advertisements.

Student Psychological Services, Community of Care, Campus Ministry, and the Dean of Students are available to speak with students who seek support amidst this tragedy. Student Psychological Services also offers TimelyCare, a teletherapy service with licensed providers to support mental health. Faculty and staff may seek support from the Employee Assistance Program and the Center for Ignatian Spirituality. We have added James’ name to the Book of Remembrance and to the Prayers of the Faithful, which will be read this Sunday at the 10 a.m. Mass. Sacred Heart Chapel remains available to our community for prayer.

We will remember James with a plaque bearing his name at our student memorial, Ad Astra per Aspera. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 16 at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel.

Please join me in extending our deepest condolences to James’ loved ones and in holding James in our collective thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Thomas Poon, Ph.D.
President and Professor of Chemistry