“I love Jazz,” Jerry T. Hodges, Jr. said, with a smile in his voice, when reacting to Jim Nygaard’s and Sunnye Simpson’s idea to be the guest of honor at a jazz concert for his 99th birthday.
Jerry T., a documented original Tuskegee Airmen pilot, CPA, and member of fraternity Omega Psi Phi, turned 99 years old on June 29. By all account, he is a man for all seasons – academic, military, professional, and cultural.
Life for Mr. Hodges began in Memphis Tennessee on June 29, 1925. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Heth (St. Francis County) Arkansas where Jerry T. grew up being a farm boy, excelling in school, graduating as high school valedictorian in 1943, matriculating at Hampton Institute and along the way developing a deep and growing interest in aviation.
A passion took hold and moved him to enlist in the Army Air Corps, completing basic training at Kessler Field in Biloxi Mississippi in 1944. Afterwards he entered rigorous and intensive pilot training at Tuskegee Army Airfield and earned those much-coveted silver wings of an Army pilot in September 1945.
Related Stories
Teens from Jordan Downs Community Getting Paid to Learn Skilled Trades this Summer
Caregivers and Parents Urged to Prevent Risk of Leaving Children in Hot Cars
While still at Tuskegee, he served in various positions until June 1946. When discharged, Jerry left the red clay of Alabama for the sunshine of Southern California. He enrolled in the University of Southern California where he earned a BSE degree in accounting and finance, and later received his license as a certified public accountant.
Following a career in accounting – including a position as vice president in an African American owned insurance company – he opened his own accounting business with several employees.
Induction into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame in 2012 for his achievements was a great honor for Jerry T. Other commendations followed including one from his fraternity of more than 75 years, Omega Psi Phi. In 2018, he received an award from the “Qs” saluting his continuous service and that acknowledgement still gives him joy.
Since Jerry T. loves listening to jazz, attending jazz concerts, and supporting the arts around Los Angeles, it was a no-brainer when Jim Nygaard, chapter ambassador for the Los Angeles Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc., suggested to his fellow chapter member, what better way to honor Jerry T. than with a private performance by a living jazz legend.
The idea took flight and Jerry agreed. Daryl Darden performed on Saturday, August 24, for Jerry T. Hodges.
“I am honored to be performing for this great gentleman and American hero” said Darden, a celebrated guitarist and vocalist.
“This is going to be one of those events that can only happen once. I’m very proud to have played a small part,” said Nygaard.
