Jodi adopted her nickname in college when all other “Cathy Jo” variations were taken. She graduated from SMU with an English degree and dreams of becoming an investigative journalist. When Dallas newspapers offered her only society-page assignments, she chose a different path – law school at the University of Texas. There, she learned one of life’s lessons in equality when a group of female law students overnight redecorated a men’s restroom, complete with a sofa, coffee table and flowers in urinals – what Jodi fondly called “feminism with flair.”

While at UT Law, she clerked for Texas Attorney General John Hill and waitressed nights at the Saxon Pub. After graduation, she served as an Assistant Attorney General in Consumer Protection, opened her own law firm in Austin, hosted a weekly PBS show (Consumer Hotline), and spoke statewide on consumer and women’s rights.

In 1983, Jodi met Houston lawyer Jim Babcock on a blind date. Several months later, they married, sharing 39 years together. They practiced law in Houston before retiring to the Hill Country, where they ran the Townsquare Emporium in Llano, played golf, ranched, helped incorporate the city, and offered pro bono legal services to local charities, churches and undocumented workers.

Jodi was a devoted daughter and sister, moving her parents and sister to Llano to care for them and supporting her sister Sherry through early-onset Parkinson’s disease. After Jim’s passing in 2023, she stayed active in her book club, bridge and tennis groups, and her church community. She even embraced new adventures, including finally tasting vegetables after 75 years – carrots “not awful,” Brussels sprouts “kinda weird,” and grilled asparagus “surprisingly good.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Buena Lehman; her sister Sherry Lehman; and her husband and best friend, James Babcock. She is survived by her stepdaughter Laura Babcock of Austin and Laura’s sons Milo and Augie; her stepson Booth Babcock and wife Mako Tokuhisa of Seattle, Washington; and countless friends who loved her wit, wisdom, and unstoppable spirit.

Jodi passed away peacefully with family at her side on Oct. 22, 2025, after a brief fight with leukemia. A service celebrating her remarkable life will be held Friday, Nov. 14, at 2 p.m. in the church fellowship hall at the Church at Horseshoe Bay. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the Kingsland Public Library or Highland Lakes SPCA.