James "Jim" R. Dodds

James “Jim” Rhea Dodds, son of the late James Ellis and Mildred Muriel (Rhea) Dodds, was born October 13, 1923 in Dixon, Missouri. When Jim was only 3, his mother Mildred died and, at the age of 7, Jim and his father moved to the Waynesville area where Ellis was remarried to Ella Louella Ray. Jim attended school in Waynesville and graduated from Waynesville High School, Class of 1941. On February 1, 1943, Jim entered the United States Army Air Corps and served with the 315th Bombardment Wing at Northwest Field in Guam. He attained the rank of Tech Sergeant and was honorably discharged on May 27, 1946. For his faithful service to his country, Jim earned the American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and 1 Overseas Bar. On November 28, 1946 in Richland, Missouri, Jim was united in marriage with the love of his life, Helen Jean Wair. They shared 61 years of marriage and were blessed with three sons: Steve, Robert and David. Jim was a hardworking man and took great pride in providing for his family and serving his community. He owned and operated several businesses through the years. The one business that most people remember him from is Jim’s Market in downtown Waynesville which he operated from October 1952 to 1996. Over the years, Jim had a very close personal and business relationship with the Luther Thomas family. Jim was also very involved in the Waynesville Community. He served on the Waynesville Security Bank Board for 26 years, was active in the Chamber of Commerce and was a founding member of the Committee of Fifty. He was a member of the Waynesville Masonic Lodge #375 AF & AM, Abou Ben Adhem Shrine of Springfield and the Scottish Rite Temple of Joplin. In his spare time, Jim enjoyed being outdoors. You would find him either on the golf course, working in his yard, or watching the hummingbirds feed. He loved to play Pinochle and would even schedule doctor’s appointments around his Pinochle games. He also loved animals and was an avid supporter of animal shelters. Jim passed away at 6:40 p.m. Monday, July 8, 2013 in the Sunset Village of the Ozarks of St. Robert, Missouri having attained the age of 89 years. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Jim leaves to cherish his memory his three sons: Steve Dodds (Susan) of Springfield, MO, Bob Dodds (Cornelia) of Rolla, MO and David Dodds of St. Robert, MO; one brother: Robert Dodds of Devil’s Elbow, MO; four grandchildren: Liz, Brian, Amy and Marcus; three great grandchildren: Aram, Bailey, Isaiah, Jade and Davis; other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen Dodds; and one brother; Bill Dodds. The family would like to thank and recognize the following people for their friendship over the years and for those that took care of Jim during his last few years. His fellow Pinochle players: Dave Lay, Lou Farkasi and Bonnie Schrimpsher; his many, many golfing buddies; the Luther Thomas family: Bev and Virginia Thomas; the Sunset Village staff: Sue, Emma, Martha, Danny and all the others; the Doolin family and all the good people that worked with our Jim in his many business ventures; and Jane and George Phillips for all the trips they took Jim on and all the dinners they cooked for him. Memorial services with military honors were held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 26, 2013 in the Waynesville United Methodist Church with Pastor Bill O'Neal officiating. Pianist David Lawson accompanied Jim's granddaughter, Liz as she sang "Lord of the Dance". Military honors were provided by the Missouri Honors Team and the American Legion Post 240 of Richland. Services are under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Pulaski County Humane Society (PO Box 4032, Waynesville, MO 65583) or the Waynesville United Methodist Church (301 Hwy T, Waynesville, MO 65583) or may be left at the funeral home.

James "Jim" R. Dodds

October 13, 1923 - July 8, 2013