Obituary of James E. Dodge

On October 10, 2023, James E. Dodge 72, of Windsor passed peacefully at the Comfort Care/Hospice Unit at Glenridge.  This was following a battle with Frontotemporal Dementia and a sudden diagnosis of colon cancer.

Jim will be lovingly remembered by his “high school Sweetheart” and wife of 49 years, Susan (Wallace) Dodge.  His three children and their families- son Joshua Dodge (wife Rena children Dylan & Addison Dodge of Vassalboro), Daughter Katie (Dodge) Bailey (husband Chad, children- Duncan & Delia Bailey of China), Son Jason Dodge (Wife Megan twin boys Charles & Sawyer Dodge-Michigan). His sisters Kitty Carrier (husband Roger) and Bonnie Squiers (husband Tom) and many sister-in-laws, brothers-in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Jim was born on November 10, 1950, to the late Dorothy & Erskine Dodge and grew up in Farmingdale. In 1969 he graduated from Hall-Dale High School.  He continued his education and graduated from Unity College in 1973. James went on to teach Earth Science at Cony High School for 36 years from 1973-2009.  He started soccer as a club sport and coached the Rifle Club in his earlier years.  Jim and Sue were married in June 1974.  They moved to Windsor where he built their forever home and raised their three children. 

James was a man who never stopped working- from running Windsor Video out of their home in the late 80s, working at Western Tool after school with Jason, farming, cutting wood down back, milling lumber, haying, hunting, rebuilding antique cars with Josh, creating amazing woodwork pieces for all, taking care of Sue’s “L” shaped pool for Katie’s daycare kids, growing an enormous garden, and golfing at Natanis golf course. James was very skilled at whatever he did. Although his facial expressions didn’t always show it, he was a caring man underneath.

Jim was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. At this time he loved telling jokes and still remembered everyone. He spent any time he could with his six grandchildren. In his last year, he and Sue were able to drive to Florida where they vacationed for two months. Jim loved taking videos with his camera and collecting shells on the beach.  His days back home were spent filling picture frames, albums, and walls with photos.  He called it his scrapbooking.  He loved giving his photos to people with his famous handwritten Post-it notes. Reminiscing with family through his home videos was a daily activity. Each day he would awake and ask “Susie, where are we going today?” hoping for a shopping trip to Sam’s Club, Walmart, or Marden’s.

The family would like to thank all who took the time to visit Jim at home and in the hospital.  Special thanks to those who helped care for him at home: Kathy B., Fran R., Charlie U., Cookie G., and Andy M.  A special shout out to the staff of Maine General 3 West for their amazing care while listening to Jim’s jokes and his calling out for “Susie”. His transfer to Comfort Care/Hospice was reassuring through the attentive guidance from the staff at Glenridge.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 20 at 4 p.m. at Rest Haven Cemetery in Windsor.  A celebration of life will follow at Le Club Calumet on Friday, October 20 at 6 p.m.