Chief Master Sergeant (R) James Franklin Dodds passed away on September 10, 2018 at Memory Care of Westover Hills, San Antonio, TX after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. He was 77 years old. James was also known as “Frank or Jim” to family/friends. He was born in Myrtle, Mississippi, on August 29, 1941 and was a member of Old Oak Grove Baptist Church.
Chief Dodds joined the United States Air Force in 1961, and had a distinguished and honorable career that spanned 30 years. During his 30 years of service, he received numerous prestigious awards, medals, and ribbons. His military assignments took him to many places near and far, including the Pentagon and Cairo, Egypt. James was a natural leader and many sought his advice and expertise on numerous projects. The core values of the Air Force were very important to him, and he lived out those values in his life.
The Chief enjoyed nature and spending time in the outdoors. His hobbies included woodworking, reading, hunting, fishing, sports (playing and watching), barbecuing, and spending time his family and his beloved Labs.
He is preceded in death by sisters Lee Carolyn Dodds, Mary Alice Tackett, father Aubrey N. Dodds, mother Celia Birdie Dodds.
Survived by loving wife Dora G. Dodds and 2 beautiful daughters, Debra Lee Dodds (Ross Perry), grandson, Jason, Cedar Park, TX and Deena Kay Dodds, San Antonio, TX. Also survived by sisters, Flora Todd, Lisbon Falls, ME; Linda Edwards, Drummond, TN; Dorothy Rule (Marty), Lisbon Falls, ME; and Brother Hugh Dodds, Euless, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Sunset Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 from 6 pm to 8 pm. Funeral services will be at Sunset Funeral Chapel on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at 12 pm with interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
