Jim R. Dodge

Jim Dodge, 85, of Kearney, Nebraska, died Thursday, October 20, 2016, at Mt. Carmel Home Keens Memorial in Kearney, Nebraska, at 8:15 p.m., surrounded by family and loved ones, he struck his last arc. Jimmie Roger Dodge, yes you heard right (those who knew him well knew you never called him Jimmie), was born in Lexington, Nebraska, on July 19, 1931, to Millard and Cloreada (Selk) Dodge. Jim attended school in Lexington and at the age of 10 found his life's passion working in his Dad's welding shop. At 16 years of age, Jim enlisted in the Marine Corps, proudly serving in the Korean War. On April 27th, 1950, he was joined in marriage to Patricia Smith. They loved and lived for 40 years, and were blessed with five children. After Patricia's death, Jim found love again when he married Lorna Drake on November 23, 1991, enjoying 25 years of love and laughter together. Jim was a certified welder, well known and respected for his knowledge and craftsmanship. Jim travelled worldwide leaving his mark on unique, and special construction projects. Some of his welding projects included the Archway in Kearney, the nuclear testing site on Christmas Island, most of the animal cages at the Sacramento Zoo, rebuilding tanks on St. Croix after Hurricane Hugo, and many beautiful decorative welding projects that he will be remembered by for years to come. Jim loved music, good scotch whiskey, a good cigar, a nice drive through the country and above all else, his family. He is survived by his wife, Lorna Dodge; two sisters Eleanor Welliver Kelly, and Arlyn Bowman; son, Doug (Sandy) Dodge; daughter Nancy (Bob) Holland; six step-children, Nora Drake, Susan Hawley, Steve, Corby, Larry and Duane Drake; eight grandchildren, Jeremy (Miranda) Wade, Amy (Carter) Vath, Daniel and Shane Dodge, Matt Dissmeyer, Jacob (Erron) Holland, Luke (Nikki) Holland, and Bobi Holland; 20 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia, sons Danny and Johnny, daughter Patrice Wade, brother Keith Dodge, and sister, Sharalyn Huckell. He also leaves behind many good friends and extended family, including the staff of Mt Carmel who loved Jim and treated him like a beloved Grandpa. It was Jim’s wishes for cremation. A Memorial Service was held on Sunday, October 23, 2016, in Kearney. Inurnment with military honors will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.