James Hodds, of Blofield, would go on to become the face of Waveney Campers before his passing last month.

His wife, Zeenat Hodds, 51, said he will be remembered as a man whose presence lit up any room.

James Hodds pictured with his mum and stepdad Lynne and Alan Strong, and his wife Zeenat (Image: Supplied by family)

Professionally, Mr Hodds was a driving force behind the expansion of Waveney Campers, a family-run business established in 2003 by his mother and stepfather, Lynne and Alan Strong.

Mr Hodds joined the business in 2018 and played a key role in its growth by helping to build strong partnerships and expand its presence at Norwich Camping and Leisure in Blofield, based between Norwich and Great Yarmouth.

Born in Yarmouth on July 5, 1982, Mr Hodds spent his early life in the coastal town and attended school there.

James Hodds with his wife Zeenat (Image: Supplied by family)

He met his future wife while on holiday in Ibiza in 2000. After a brief time living in London, the couple settled in Norfolk the following year, where they built their life together.

They were married at Dunston Hall in Norwich in August 2007.

Together, they raised two children, daughter Danyelle and son Cameron, now 29 and 24 respectively. More recently, he became a father-in-law to Kallem and grandfather to one-year-old Ajax, to whom he was “devoted”.

James Hodds with his family (Image: Supplied by family)

James Hodds with his grandson, Ajax (Image: Supplied by family)

Mrs Hodds said: “James was very kind. He was one of those people who walks into a room and everyone notices him.

“He had a magnetic personality. You could not help but love him.

“He loved his family and he absolutely doted on his grandson.”

James Hodds with his family (Image: Supplied by family)

Mr Hodds also enjoyed playing golf, padel, travelling and exploring the countryside. A recent campervan trip included a visit to the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District.

Colleagues and friends have paid tribute to his passion and energy, describing him as someone who was “extremely energetic, always smiling” and determined to build a business to be proud of.

“James was always interested in the camping lifestyle,” his wife said.

“When his parents were talking about retiring, he joked he would take the business over – and then all of a sudden it was happening.”

James and Zeenat Hodds (Image: Supplied by family)

Reflecting on their journey, she added: “We’ve made so many relationships with everyone there. James was a real integral part of it all.”

He was also known for his generosity and compassion and was a regular supporter of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices - a cause close to his heart and one he championed through his business.

His family have invited donations in his memory via Just Giving to support the charity’s work, helping provide care and comfort to families in difficult times.

James Hodds was a support of EACH (Image: Supplied by family)

Paying tribute, Mrs Hodds added: “He was an amazing man and it’s heartbreaking that he is not here anymore.”

Mr Hodds died on Wednesday, February 18 and his funeral will be held next month.

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© Norwich Evening News