James V. Dodge

James V. Dodge, 84, of Springfield, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at St. Clara's Manor in Lincoln. James was born on April 16, 1924, the son of Charles E. and Margaret E. Tobin Dodge. He, along with his sisters, were the first surviving triplets born in Springfield. He married Grace Roseann Aiello on February 18, 1950 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She preceded him in death in 2000. James graduated from Cathedral Boys High School, going on to serve in the US Army during WWII, earning three Bronze Battle Stars, a WWII Victory medal, and a Distinguished Unit Badge. He later became owner of H.J. Wible Printing Company and publisher of the Mt. Pulaski Times News. James was a member of the VFW in Springfield and Mt. Pulaski, Knights of Columbus #364, and Rotary Club in Mt. Pulaski where he was past president. He was a member of St. Katharine Drexel Parish and attended Sacred Heart Church. James was an avid Cardinals fan, enjoyed camping, fishing, and was a devoted family man who cherished his children and grandchildren. Also preceding James in death were his daughter, Mary Margaret; son, Joseph Leo; grandson, James Dodge III; brothers, Charles, William, Richard, and Leo; and his parents. He is survived by his children, Susan (husband, Joseph) Loucka of Beech Bluff, TN, Katie (husband, Jerry) Adams of Downers Grove, James (wife, Barbara) Dodge of Newman, and Roseann (husband, Randy) Sank of Lincoln; twelve grandchildren, Sarah, Jeff, Mary, and Tim Adams, Tom, Tyler, Andy, and Danielle Dodge, Monica (husband, Chris) McAfee, Jim Babbs, Veronica Randell, and Ty Sank; four great-grandchildren, Chase, Joey and Olivia McAfee and Grace Randell; siblings, Sister Enid Dodge, OSB of Yankton, SD and Mary Roberts of Springfield; in addition to several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at Sacred Heart Church, 722 S. 12th St., Springfield with Rev. Christopher A. House, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Jacksonville with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 3000 Kelly Lane, Springfield, IL 62707 or Memorial Hospice, 720 N. Bond St., Springfield, IL 62702.