[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 109 (Wednesday, June 25, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JOHN BREWSTER ``J.B.'' HODGDON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DEREK SCHMIDT

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 25, 2025

  Mr. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of 
fellow lifelong Kansan, John Brewster ``J.B.'' Hodgdon, who passed away 
on June 13, 2025. J.B. was born on October 16, 1936, to Bruce and Amy 
Hodgdon in Kansas City, Kansas. He lived a life full of service, always 
giving back to his community, and I was proud call him my friend.
  While growing up in America's Heartland, J.B. and his brother Bob 
helped with the family business, which he eventually entered full time 
in 1959 after graduating from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor 
of Science degree in Business Administration. J.B.'s father served as 
an aerial gunnery instructor for the Navy. J.B. recalled that in grade 
school he and Bob would help their father by loading shot shells at 
night so their dad could prepare to teach his students the following 
day. With the grit and determination instilled in them by their 
parents, J.B. and Bob would grow Hodgdon Powder Company from operating 
at the family dining room table to the largest U.S. consumer supplier 
of smokeless and black powder substitute propellants. Hodgdon Powder 
Company is now a household name within the firearm and ammunition 
industry and among handloading and muzzleloading enthusiasts.
  Passion for hunting and the shooting sports runs deep in the Hodgdon 
blood. J.B. was an unwavering supporter of the National Shooting Sports 
Foundation, life benefactor member of the National Rifle Association, 
life member of the Kansas State Rifle Association, and a member of 
Safari Club of America, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, and the 
National 4-H Shooting Sports. J.B. enjoyed growing the next generation 
of hunters and recreational shooters. He especially cherished his time 
with Philmont Scout Ranch, Scouting America's National High-Adventure 
Base in Cimarron, New Mexico. Along with his wife Anne and their 
charitable foundation, J.B. was integral in enhancing Philmont's 
success in serving our Nation's youth.
  For his leadership contributing to the success of the firearm 
industry, firearm ownership, and enjoyment of hunting and the shooting 
sports in America, J.B. was inducted into the National Shooting Sports 
Foundation Hall of Fame. He was also the recipient of the Shooting 
Industry Academy of Excellence Award, and he and his brother were 
awarded the NRA's Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award.
  J.B. unquestionably touched countless lives and was highly respected, 
including by those in the firearm industry, on which he has left an 
indelible mark. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, love 
for shooting sports and the outdoors, his utmost appreciation for first 
responders, passion for youth and scouting, and keen interest in 
classic cars. He will also be remembered as a man of faith and a loving 
husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. I thank Anne, his 
beloved wife of 28 years, his four sons, two stepchildren, five 
grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, for sharing J.B. with all 
of us who are blessed to have known him. I hope they find peace and 
comfort in celebrating a life well-lived.

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