James Dodds

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James “Jimmy” Dodds, on February 18, 2021, after a short battle with cancer.

Jimmy was beloved by all who knew him and those lucky enough to count him as family.  He was born on March 29, 1946 in Lacombe to Jim and Helen Dodds, the second of five children.  Jimmy grew up on the family ranch south of Ponoka where he spent his youth riding horses and getting into mischief.  After a career as a professional bull rider he became involved in off-shore oil drilling and spent 30 years in Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Venezuela.  During his time in the oil industry he lived in Singapore, where he met and married Kalyani (also known as Jude) and they started their family.  They then moved to Richmond, BC, where they raised their family, Jaime, James, and Jade.

Once he retired he returned to Ponoka, which had always held his heart, and a return to horses and the western lifestyle he loved.  Over the past twenty years, Jimmy could be found riding horses, going to horse sales from Billings, Montana to Dawson Creek and all points in between and helping calving and foaling at the ranch.  He also loved a good poker game and spent many hours going "all in" with the boys at their weekly games. One of his favourite events of the year was the Ponoka Stampede where he supplied the Queen's Cowboys with their mounts.  

He will be lovingly remembered by his children Jaime Dodds, James (Jessica) Dodds, and Jade Dodds (Ariana Shaw); his grandchildren Justin, Maya, Miles, and Mackenzie; and great-granddaughter Arabella of Richmond BC; his brothers Jerry Dodds and Joe (Diane) Dodds;  sister-in-law Lana Dodds-Jacobson (predeceased by John); numerous adoring nieces and nephews; and his  adopted brother Brian Stefanski.  Jim was predeceased by his favorite sister Jeanne (Lionel) Twa and his brother John.

Jimmy always saw the good in people, and everyday was a good day.  He'll always be remembered as breaking horses and hearts. 

At Jim’s request, there will not be a formal Funeral Service.  Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to S.T.A.R.S. or the Canadian Cancer Society.

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