James Gary Dodge

James Gary Dodge, age 80, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 6, 2024. Born on August 28, 1943, in SLC to Keith & June Dodge. Jim graduated from West High School in 1965. 

 Growing up in the Glendale area, Jim enjoyed the usual young boy’s life from riding bicycles to a love for the old classics. He purchased many through his young life like a ‘62 Thunderbird & a ‘56 Chevy. Jim spent his time and hard-earned money fixing up old beaters so he could drag State Street.

 He married his first wife Laura in 1965. They then had two daughters (Traci Lin Dodge Herrera & Lesli Anne Dodge Schott). Residing in West Valley, they made great lifelong friends and created many happy memories together. After separating but remaining very close, Jim married his second wife (Virginia/Ginger Lewis-Petro) in Jackson Hole, WY in 1976. Jim & Ginger moved to West Bountiful with two children from Ginger’s previous marriage (Jerry & Melinda Petro) and Jim’s two daughters (Traci & Lesli), then adding a child together (Andrew James Dodge). The Dodges spent many years camping & vacationing together every summer. They would open their home to anyone anytime, especially for the holidays, creating memorable and cherished traditions. Jim spent his Sundays doing yard work, which always required a nap afterwards in his favorite lounge chair. One of his favorite summer activities was to drive to Evanston, WY for his epic Firework show, and it never hurt to place a bet when gambling was available. 

  Jim was fully dedicated to his work, family, and friends. Jim began his career at the early age of 17 with Smith’s Food & Drug as a bagger. He then became a truck driver, then finished as their produce buyer, dedicating many early morning hours providing Smith’s fresh produce for the entire state of Utah. In 1991, Jim began working for J&J Nursery as Greenhouse Sales Manager for 31 years until his retirement in 2022. He was deeply loved & respected by his coworkers, clients, and plant community, serving as a mentor to younger employees. He was a very hard worker, sometimes known as a ‘workaholic’. Jim always devoted himself to his work, providing a wonderful life for his family. 

  Jim served in the National Guard at a younger age, where he trained as a radio operator. He was given a Sharpshooter medal when he was honorably discharged. Jim enjoyed the outdoors spending the summers with his family and friends, whether it was playing in the mountains or splashing in the water. He spent countless hours ‘throwing’ his daughters in the pools at Como Springs, and later taking up the sport of remote-control car racing with his youngest son Andy. Jim loved to bowl and was a member of a bowling league for many years. He also loved to golf and made lifelong friends doing so.

 Jim was a wonderful provider and devoted father and husband. People who knew him, knew of his generosity. Jim was the kind of man that would put himself in debt to help you out. He loved sharing, supporting, and giving to anyone that needed a little help. He particularly loved spoiling his dogs Basil and Tarragon. Jim enjoyed his little time of retirement filling it with many happy memories, from weekly breakfast meetings with the guys, to many outdoor adventures with his daughters. 

 Jim was preceded in death by his parents, (Keith & June Dodge) older brother Wayne Dodge, Stepson Jerry Petro, and second wife (Virginia/Ginger Lewis- Petro). He is survived by his three daughters, Traci Herrera of Farmington, Utah, Lesli (Chris) Schott of Layton, Utah, Melinda (Ron Gines) Petro of Providence, Utah, and his son Andy Dodge of Tupelo, Oklahoma. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren, Hayley Tannahill (Colton), Kerrick Gines, Christian Schott, Ashton Herrera, Alexander Schott, Sequoia Gines, and Chloe Schott, as well as 2 great grandchildren Danny and Harper Tannahill.

 Jim’s presence in our life was our strength, and we can only strive to become as devoted as he was to his family. He will forever be cherished.

 Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road Layton, Utah. Friends may visit with family prior to services from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the mortuary. 

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