Dr. James L. Dodd

Dr. Dodd was born in Orleans, IN on July 20, 1931 to the late John and Isabel Dodd and grew up in Little Rock, AR where he attended both Elementary and High School. He obtained his BA degree from Quachita University, Arkadelphia, AR, his Bachelor of Divinity from Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY, his Ph.D in Archeology and Near Eastern Studies from Southern Seminary, Louisville, KY, and a Masters Degree in Social Science from the University of Georgia.

Dr. Dodd began his career in 1962 as Associate Professor of Social Studies at Ferrum Junior College in Ferrum, VA. In 1965, he became Associate Professor of Sociology at LaGrange College. In 1971, he served as Major Professor in Administration and Community Organization at the University of Georgia. He served as Executive Director of Northeast Georgia MHMRSA; 1973, served as the Executive Director of Northeast Georgia Comprehensive Mental Health Center, Athens, GA; 1975, served as Chief of Mental Health Department of Human Resources, Atlanta, GA; 1977, served as Deputy Superintendent of West Georgia Regional State Hospital, Columbus, GA; 1982, served as Superintendent of West Georgia Regional Hospital, Columbus, GA; 1991, served as Executive Director of North Georgia Comprehensive Center, Gainesville, GA; and from 1993 until his retirement in 1999, he served as Executive Director of Region 9 MHMRSA Board, Columbus, GA.

Dr. Dodd served as Chair of the Board of Visitors, UGA School of Social Work; he was a member of the Executive Committee of the Rosalynn Carter Institute at Georgia Southwestern University, Americus, GA; Board Member National Mental Health Association of Georgia; Board Member Twin Cedars Youth Center, LaGrange, GA; and a Board Member of the Area Health Education Council of West Georgia.

Of all his accomplishments, Dr. Dodd was proudest to have had the opportunity to serve as Pastor to his beloved congregation as Dallas Presbyterian Church in LaGrange for 42 wonderful years.

Jim Dodd was a gentle giant who wore many hats in his career as a teacher, an expert in the field of Mental Health, and as a minister to a loving flock of Presbyterians at Dallas Church. In his daily life, he was a loving husband and devoted father. He was a gourmet cook who delighted his extended family with exotic candlelight dinners. He was a mentor to his nieces and nephews who frequently sought his advice. But most of all, Jim was an avid fly fisherman and fly tyer who will be greatly missed by his fellow fly fishing friends.

Survivors include his wife, Jacquelyn Trammell Dodd; 3 children, David R. Dodd of Marietta, GA, Susan Dodd Sehm of Portland, OR, and Harrod Trammell Dodd of LaGrange; sister, Joan Dodd Horton and her husband, LTC (Ret) Frank Horton; granddaughter, Anna Sehm of Portland, OR. Additional family members include in-laws, Jenny and Bob Copeland, Beverley and Ed MaDan, Nancy Hargett, and Ramon Ploch; and was beloved “Uncle Jim” to a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Thursday, March 11, 2010 at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary Chapel with Reverend Leneal Fortner officiating. Burial will follow in Shadowlawn Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Flowers will be accepted or contributions may be made to Dallas Presbyterian Church, 1234 Wares Cross Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 in memory of Dr. James Lee Dodd.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636 www.shlagrange.com