James John Dodt

James John Dodt, age 77, of Sand Point, formerly of Farmington Hills, died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his loving family on September 9, 2006 at Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon after a lengthy illness.

Jim was born February 5, 1929 in St. Clair Shores to the late Albert and Margaret (White) Dodt. He graduated from Annunciation High School in 1947 and then served honorably in the Merchant Marines and the US Air Force. He married Avis Nelson on December 21, 1951 in Waltham, Massachusetts. He then went on to a successful 42 year career at Ford and Earl Design Associates in Troy, retiring as a vice president.

Jim was a compassionate man who had a zest for life and brought out the best in others. He was a proud and loving father and husband whose greatest passion was spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed an active lifestyle which included golfing, boating, fishing and taking extensive walks with his golden retriever and yorkie.

He was a member of St. Fabian Catholic Church in Farmington Hills for 38 years, where he served as a Eucharistic minister. After moving to Sand Point he attended St. Roch. In his retirement Jim became an active member of the Caseville Eagles FOE #3690 where he served many years as the secretary. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Jim is survived by the love of his life, his wife Avis; he was a beloved father to James (Anne) of Gibraltar, Timothy of Rochester Hills, Laurel (Randy) Brandon of Waterford, Robert (Elizabeth) of Sheffield Lake, Ohio, Michelle (James) Wood of Novi, Kim (Neal) LeBlanc of Farmington Hills, Karol Miller of Commerce Township and Gail (John) Walker of West Bloomfield; dearest Papa of 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; devoted brother to Tom (Peg) of St. Clair Shores, Barbara Aston of Northville, Dorothy of St. Clair Shores and Larry Plank of Voorheis, New Jersey. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and loving friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Karen, brother Richard and sister Karol.

A funeral mass will be at 11:00 AM Wednesday at St. Roch Catholic Church with Fr. Ken Yaroch presiding. Burial will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield. Military honors will be provided by the Caseville American Legion.

Visitation will be 3-5 PM and 6-8 PM Tuesday at the Champagne Funeral Chapel of Caseville and from 10 AM Wednesday until the time of mass at church. There will be an Eagles’ Ritual at 7:00 PM Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Roch Food Pantry.