James R. Dodson, of Bloomington, Ill., was born “Jimmie Ray” in Henryetta on December 22, 1951, to George and Thelma (Ross) Dodson.

On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, his son, Justin, who passed away in 2019, came to take Jim home to his reward. Jim died peacefully in his sleep, holding the hand of his beloved wife of 52 years. He was preceded in death by both parents; two brothers, Carl Dodson and Roy Dean Dodson; and three sisters, Joyce Shaw, Doris Green, and Opal Cole.

Surviving is the love of his life, Diane (Brewer) Dodson; his daughter, Corie (John Garza) Thibeault; grandchildren, Piper Thibeault, Amelia Thibeault, and Isaac Thibeault; one sister, Ethel Locatelli; many nieces and nephews, and a host of bonus children he and Diane collected over the years.

Jim was a proud US Army veteran, who spent many of his later years helping others navigate the VA system.

December 22, 1951 – January 23, 2024

He helped change protocols and legislation, and he was a tenacious advocate for fellow veterans to receive the care they deserve.

He loved John Wayne and John Deere, and he finally got his Cadillac a year before he died.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Carmody- Flynn Funeral Home, 1800 Eastland Drive, in Bloomington, Ill. Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m., and a Rosary will be recited at 12:30 p.m.

The family is requesting any donations may be made to ALS United Greater Chicago, 5315 N Clark St, #650, Chicago, IL 60640.