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BORN
1951
DIED
2024
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James Dodson Obituary
Born: December 22, 1951
Died: January 23, 2024
James R. Dodson, of Bloomington, was born "Jimmie Ray" in Henryetta, OK, on December 22, 1951, to George and Thelma (Ross) Dodson.
On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, his son, Justin, who passed away in 2019, came to take Jim home to his reward. Jim died peacefully in his sleep, holding the hand of his beloved wife of 52 years. He was preceded in death by both parents, two brothers, Carl Dodson and Roy Dean Dodson, and three sisters, Joyce Shaw, Doris Green, and Opal Cole.
Surviving is the love of his life, Diane (Brewer) Dodson; his daughter, Corie (John Garza) Thibeault; grandchildren, Piper Thibeault, Amelia Thibeault, and Isaac Thibeault; one sister, Ethel Locatelli; many nieces and nephews, and a host of bonus children he and Diane collected over the years.
Jim was a proud US Army veteran, who spent many of his later years helping others navigate the VA system. He helped change protocols and legislation, and he was a tenacious advocate for fellow veterans to receive the care they deserve.
He loved John Wayne and John Deere, and he finally got his Cadillac a year before he died.
Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, 1800 Eastland Drive, Bloomington, IL 61704. Visitation begins at 11:30 am, and a Rosary will be recited at 12:30 pm.
The family is requesting any donations may be made to ALS United Greater Chicago, 5315 N Clark St, #650, Chicago, IL 60640.
To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Dodson
Sponsored by Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home.
3 Entries
Anne Settanni
February 9, 2024
Jim always went above and beyond to help me out. Jim and Diane drove me all the way to Indianapolis on his birthday Dec 22nd 2012 to meet and adopt Shelby. Some time later Jim built a ramp leading to my back door so that my old pyre Sheena could go safely outside without having to climb the stairs. He did this as a surprise while I was at work. Jim and Diane lived to serve others in countless ways. I know he will be missed by his beloved Diane every day. My prayers go out to everyone in the Dodson family
Virginia Halsey
February 2, 2024
I´m thinking of all of you and so sorry about Jim´s passing. He was helpful to so many in his lifetime. RIP Jim.
Ethel Locatelli
January 31, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I loved him and will miss him.
Love your sister Ethel Locatelli
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