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James Robert Dodds

1936 - 2017

James Robert Dodds obituary, 1936-2017, Novato, CA

James Dodds Obituary

James Robert Dodds "Jimmy", passed away peacefully at his home in San Rafael on Friday, October 6, 2017 at the age of 81. Jim ultimately succumbed to Neuroendocrine cancer. Jimmy was born was on June 6, 1936 at the Presidio of San Francisco Hospital. Soon after, he and his identical twin brother, Richard Thomas Dodds were brought to their new home in San Rafael. His mother, Alberta Cleese Dodds was a member of a pioneering family in Peyton, Colorado, and his father James Allison Dodds was from Pennsylvania. The boys attended both E Street Grammar and Coleman Schools and later San Rafael High School. Jim's education continued at College of Marin and the University of San Francisco where he graduated in 1968. A natural athlete, at San Rafael High Jimmy excelled in both Track and Football. Jimmy was a member of the record setting Class C 440 Relay team in 1952 and was selected to the Marin County All Star football team for the 1954 season. The call to serve his country came up twice in his lifetime. Jim was stationed at Fort Ord, as well as spending time in Washington state where his job caused him to earn the nickname of "old- pathfinder". A born salesman, Jim's first job was with Cummins Diesel. Later, he went into the automotive after parts market by becoming a partner in a sales firm which became known as Magliano, Dodds, Evans and Hall, a company that represented almost 50 factories located all over the United States. Jim was a fifty-year member of the San Rafael Elks Lodge and enjoyed Thursday mornings at The Marvelous Marin Breakfast Club. He and his wife Veronica loved to travel and visit faraway places. He also was avid about his twice-yearly fishing trip to Lake Shasta. In 2003 Jim became a doting and adoring grandfather when Lily Rose Brown arrived, and again in 2006 when Maya Lorette Brown was born. Jim and Veronica became "Papa" and "GwaGwa" to the girls. Jim loved to learn about the history of the county, good food, chardonnay, and a fine two-dollar cigar. He enthusiastically participated in his high school reunions, and kept those friendships and connections throughout his lifetime. He leaves his wife of forty years, Veronica Lorette Dodds, a step-son Christopher Brown, his wife Diana Brown, and their two children, Lily and Maya and his step-daughter Laurel Ellen Fontana and her husband William Arney. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 21st at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in San Rafael, where the brothers were once rather mischievous acolytes. Memorial Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Hospice by the Bay.w

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Marin Independent Journal from Oct. 10 to Oct. 15, 2017.

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6 Entries

October 20, 2017

Jim wasn't just a friend, he was part of our family. I was blessed to have known Jim, having enjoyed special times fishing together on lake Shasta houseboat in the spring and fall for nearly 40 years. The camaraderie, laughter, morning ruby reds, liars dice and awesome conversation seeking his wisdom and knowledge on countless topics. Our friendship and prayers will continue for Jim's family, who we also love.
Fish On
Randy Magliano

Antoinette Doyle

October 11, 2017

Dear Ronnie,

Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I had been fortunate enough to have known "Jimmy" -- we would have had college friends in common.

Know that you are held in a strong, warm embrace by all of us "Chicks," as Patti would say. We'll look forward to seeing you soon.

With love and heartfelt sympathy,

Toni Doyle

George Irvin

October 10, 2017

My condolences. Jimmy, Dickie and I (Drake '56) had many contests as "B" class sprinters on the old San Rafael HS dirt track in Spring, 1953. They were great athletes and friendly competitors. As I recall they usually were ahead of me!!

A credit to SR HS.

George Irvin

KEN GABRIEL

October 10, 2017

FOR MY VERY DEAR PAL OF MANY YEARS YOU HAVE NOT GONE BUT EXIST IN MY MEMORY.
KEN GABRIEL

October 10, 2017

Jim and I had a special bond when he told me that I reminded him of a favourite aunt. I regret not visiting San Rafael more often for we always enjoyed a chat and political debate, and shared our love for Chinese food. Zonia Sekora Hodge

Sara Cowles

October 10, 2017

So sorry for your family's loss. Mom and I have many fond memories of Alberta & the Dodds family from San Rafael. I know Chris and I were good acolytes and were never mischievous!
Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Sara (Martin) Cowles & Barbara Martin Ferrer

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Memorial Events
for James Dodds

Oct

21

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

San Rafael, CA

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