Hodgdon Powder Company, Inc. is reporting that company Co-founder John Brewster “JB” Hodgdon passed away on June 13 at the age of 88. He “fully” retired from the company that bears his family’s name in January 2025.

A lifelong resident of Kansas, JB was born on October 16, 1936, to Bruce and Amy Hodgdon. He grew up in suburban Kansas City and was highly active in his hometown community, particularly with first responders, Scouting America (formerly the Boy Scouts of America), and the classic car community. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1959 with a degree in business.

Throughout his career, the founder held various roles at Hodgdon Powder Company. In the early days, he packaged powder at the family dining room table. He led international sales and served as the face of Hodgdon at industry trade shows. He served on the Hodgdon Board of Directors in various roles, including Board chair, for many years and 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 black powder substitutes for handloading and muzzleloading enthusiasts.

Hunting trophies from around the world, along with his firearm collection at home and in his 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 devoted annual supporter of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, a lifetime benefactor member of the NRA, a life member of the Kansas State Rifle Association, and a member of the Safari Club of America, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, and the National 4-H Shooting Sports. He was devoted to supporting youth involvement in shooting sports through his work with Philmont Scout Ranch, Scouting America’s National High-Adventure Base in Cimarron, NM.

JB and his wife, Anne, through their charitable foundation, enhanced Philmont’s ability to support the nation’s next generation of hunters and shooters with a focus on safety.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation inducted JB into its Hall of Fame in 2020, and he was a co-recipient, along with his brother Bob, of the NRA’s Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award in 2009. That same year, JB also received the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence Award.

JB is survived by his wife of 28 years, Anne, along with his four sons, two stepchildren, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

While JB Hodgdon transitioned into his new role as chairman emeritus, he chose his granddaughter, Amy Hodgdon-Meyer, to assume his former role on the Board of Directors. As part of Hodgdon’s succession planning process, JB coached Hodgdon-Meyer for the role for over two years.

Established in 1947 by Bruce and Amy Hodgdon and sons JB and Bob, Hodgdon Powder Company is the largest U.S. consumer supplier of smokeless and blackpowder substitute propellants. The company distributes gunpowder under the Hodgdon, IMR, Ramshot, Accurate, Winchester, Pyrodex, Triple Seven, and Blackhorn 209 brands.

Images courtesy Hodgdon Powder Company, Inc.