John Brewster “JB” Hodgdon—co-founder of Hodgdon Powder Company—passed away on June 13 at the age of 88. He was born Oct. 16, 1936, to Bruce and Amy Hodgdon, grew up in suburban Kansas City and was a lifelong resident of Kansas.
He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1959 with a degree in business. Hodgdon was active in his hometown, with first responders, Scouting America (formerly the Boy Scouts of America) and the classic-car community holding special places in his heart.
Hodgdon held many positions at the Hodgdon Powder Company. In the early days, he packaged powder at the family dining room table. He later led the company’s international sales team, served as the face of Hodgdon at industry trade shows and on the Hodgdon board performed a variety of duties, including Board Chair for many years. He was named Chairman Emeritus in 2025.
With his brother Bob, JB continued the legacy of Hodgdon Powder Company started by his father and grew the company into the preeminent supplier of gunpowder and blackpowder substitutes for handloading and muzzleloading enthusiasts. Hunting trophies from around the world and his firearm collection in his home and Hodgdon offices are a testament to his passion for hunting and shooting.
“I have been associated with the Hodgdon family and JB Hodgdon for more than five decades,” said Tom Shepherd, chairman of the board at Hodgdon. “JB was a first-rate owner, an incredible professional and a valued friend and counselor to work for during my career. He will be deeply missed.”
JB was a lifetime benefactor member of the NRA, devoted annual supporter of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, life member of the Kansas State Rifle Association and a member of Safari Club International, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited and National 4-H Shooting Sports. He was deeply devoted to supporting youth involvement in the shooting sports through his work with Philmont Scout Ranch, Scouting America’s National High-Adventure Base in Cimarron, NM. He and his wife Anne enhanced that facility’s ability to instill a dedication to safety in our nation’s next generation of hunters and shooters through their charitable foundation.
JB was inducted into the National Shooting Sports Foundation Hall of Fame (2020) and—along with his brother Bob—was co-recipient of the NRA Publications Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award (2009). Additionally in 2009, he received the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence Award.
JB is survived by his wife of 28 years, Anne, four sons, two stepchildren, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. His legacy of family, faith, hard work and love for shooting and the outdoors continues to live in them, as well as everyone who knew him.
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