Jesse Robert Dodd

Jesse Robert Dodd, also known as J-Bob by some, passed away unexpectedly with his daughter at his side on October 24, 2024. Jesse was being treated at Saint Mary’s Regional Hospital, Grand Junction, CO, for injuries sustained from a fall.

Jesse was born to the late Jasper A. Dodd and the late Sherrill A. Gardner Dodd in Fruita, Colorado on October 14, 1958. He was a brother to Richard, Charlie, and Fred. He was a husband to Anne Morin Dodd and the father of Edward, Jared, Genevieve, Patricia, and Jacob. He was a grandfather to Isaac, Elijah, Naomi, and Benjamin Dodd. Finally, he was an uncle to many nieces and nephews and enjoyed the blessing of having numerous close friends and colleagues.

Jesse graduated from Palisade High School in Palisade, Colorado in 1977. After high school, Jesse attended Mesa College (now known as Colorado Mesa University) where he was the recipient of a distinguished mathematics award. Jesse subsequently transferred to the University of Colorado-Boulder where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He entered the Stanford University School of Medicine in 1981 and completed a combined MD/PhD program under his preceptor, Eugene D. Robins, MD, an internationally recognized authority in pulmonary disease. Utilizing his expertise in molecular biology, Jesse played a major role in transitioning Dr. Robin’s laboratory to include molecular biological studies. He co-authored his research findings in a number of scientific and medical publications. Upon graduating from Stanford University in 1990, Jesse began his residency clinical training in Anesthesiology at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, completing his training in 1994. Jesse began his professional career as an anesthesiologist at St Mary’s Regional Hospital, Grand Junction, CO, later that year. Jesse’s medical career would eventually be cut short due to a diagnosis of brain cancer. Fortunately, Jesse overcame this challenging circumstance and moved forward with a productive new life phase, devoting his time to family and community.

Jesse was passionate about helping others. Devoting time to his family was especially important to him. Whenever his children or grandchildren needed him, he always made sure he was there for them. He channeled his interest in tinkering with computers and electronics into opportunities that benefitted many members of the community by providing them with free technical support.

Jesse proudly served on the board of Children with Hope, an orphanage serving Kenyan children in need. It would be the wish of his family that, in lieu of sending flowers, people would consider donating to this deserving charitable organization. Donations can be made on line at childrenwithhope.org or by check payable to Children With Hope and mailed to:

Children With Hope

2505 Foresight Circle Unit A

Grand Junction, CO 81505

A service is scheduled at 10:00 AM, November 4, 2024 at Callahan Edfast Mortuary & Crematory, 2515 Patterson Road, Grand Junction, CO. To leave online condolences, please visit: www.callahan-edfast.com