James Avery Dodson

James Avery Dodson, age 72, of Fancy Farm, KY passed away peacefully at 2:56 a.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026 in the Veteran's Affairs Medical Center of Marion, IL.

He was born on January 4, 1954, in Carlisle County, KY the son of Jim Carl and Dorothy Louise (Palmer) Dodson.

James attended school in Carlisle County and was a graduate of Carlise County High School Class of 1972.

He answered the call of this nation in 1972 by serving in the United States Army. After his period of faithful service, he was honorably discharged in 1975 with the rank of Private First Class.

His working carer was with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Union City, TN for many years. He also enjoyed working on the family farm.

He was a member of Beulah Baptist Church of Fancy Farm, KY.

In his spare time, he enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle and was a member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. He also enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, shooting guns and spending time with his dogs and animals. He was known for his ability of doing hard work and could always outwork most everyone he was around, even when he was older.

He is survived by his sister, Dottie Carter and husband, David of Fancy Farm, KY; brother, Carl Thomas Dodson and wife, Dorothy of Fancy Farm, KY; eight nieces and nephews, Melanie Carter of Fancy Farm, KY, Tim Carter and wife, Sharon of Fancy Farm, KY, Mary Ann Richard and husband, Ed of Mayfield, KY, Karen Burns and husband, Dennis of Fancy Farm, KY, Tony Dodson and wife, Michelle of Fancy Farm, KY, Thomas Dodson and wife, Melissa of Fancy Farm, KY, Tamara Vallelunga and husband, Mark of Paducah, KY and Tracey Ricketts and husband, Michael of Fancy Farm, KY, a host of great nieces and great nephews, other extended family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.

The visitation will be at Beulah Baptist Church, located at 8039 KY-307 North, Fancy Farm, KY, on Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Following the time of visitation the funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Ronnie Stinson presiding.

Interment will follow in Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery of Fancy Farm, KY.

Military honors will be at the graveside by members of the American Legion Post No. 26 of Mayfield, KY.

For those who prefer, the family suggests memorial contributions be given to either or both: "Shriner's Hospital for Children" or "St. Jude Children's Hospital." Contribution envelopes will be available at the church or may be mailed c/o Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL 62959.

For more information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.