Chief Master Sergeant (R) James Franklin Dodds, of Mico, Texas, 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 and 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 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 with his family and his beloved Labs.
He is preceded in death by sisters Lee Carolyn Dodds, Mary Alice Tacker, father Aubrey N. Dodds, and mother Celia Birdie Dodds.
Survived by loving wife Dora Jaramillo Gallegos Dodds and two beautiful daughters, Debra Lee Dodds (Ross Perry), grandson Jason, of 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 a brother Hugh Dodds, Euless, TX and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Sunset Funeral Home on Austin Highway in San Antonio, TX on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm with interment on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at 12:00 pm at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.