Navy Captain Jeffrey “DD” Dodson (Retired), 55, passed on 15 July 2016 in the comfort of his own home.
Born in Santa Barbara, CA, to Joan M. Dodson and Harold B. Dodson, he graduated from Mayfield High School, Las Cruces, NM in 1979 and from New Mexico State University in 1984 with a Chemistry degree. Jeff fulfilled his childhood dream when he was accepted to and graduated from (Navy) Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL in 1985 and received his wings in 1986. He had a stellar career flying the F-14 Tomcat and the F/A-18 Hornet and was proud to lead the VFA-37 (Ragin’ Bulls) in numerous strikes during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Jeff was also a superb flight instructor, training others to fly and/or apply air tactics at VT-24 in Beeville, TX, Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) in Miramar, CA and at NAS Oceana’s F/A-18 Flight Simulator in Virginia Beach, VA.
In his off time, Jeff enjoyed working on and racing cars, motocross, woodworking and running races.
Jeff was a wonderful son, brother, friend, husband, father and mentor and is sorely missed by all.
Jeff is survived by his: wife of eight years, Tracy Dodson; daughter, Christina Dodson; son, Benjamin Dodson, all of Virginia Beach, VA; father, Harold Dodson of Beaumont, TX; sister, Tracy Bowman (husband Brian) of Laurel, MD; brother, Russell Dodson (wife Kristin) of Beaumont, TX; ex-wife, Lisa Dodson of Virginia Beach, VA (mother of Christina and Ben); many other relatives. Jeff is predeceased by his mother, Joan Dodson, and brother, Kent Dodson.
The family would like to thank the brilliantly attentive and supportive staff at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth’s Oncology Department (Tod Morris, MD and Carina Deel, RN, BSN) in Portsmouth, VA and at Duke University’s Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center (Dr. Gordana Vlahovik, Christina Cone, ANP-BC, AOCNP and Stevie Threatt, BA, CRC III) in Durham, NC.
The family plans a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers or donations, Jeff expressed his hope that you will go on that vacation you and your loved ones have been dreaming of.
Thank you, Captain Jeffrey Dodson, for your service to our country.
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Startled to run across this news and extremely sorry for your loss. DD joined our FRS class as he transitioned to the FA-18 – we were all O-2s and DD a salty O-5. DD fulfilled a father-like role among the JOs of our class, sharing pearls of knowledge and imparting a sense of calm that would serve us well in our careers. The last time I spoke with DD was on a KC-135 tanker during one of the first nights of OIF. I once again appreciated DD’s calm presence…this time as a fresh O-3 flying in combat for the first time. DD is sorely missed
DD was a great mentor and friend. A pleasure to work for and a great influence.
I’ve never known anyone who could so abuse the word “dude” quite so much and still be such a respected leader in the community.
I’m greatly saddened by his passing.
DD,
You were always the cool, calm and collected one. Much admiration for you “dude.” Sorry I couldn’t make it out to “see ya” (another one of your favorite sayings).
Seemed like yesterday that I saw you at the O-6 conference. Thanks for being part of my life. For you, I will take that vacation.
Take care my friend!
DD was on of the first guys I met when I checked in to VF-154 as an O-1 Mod 0 Ensign. I found him to be one of those guys you could always go to when in need of a straight story and mentorship. Always calm and confident without an ego. He had a love for flying. He was a real leader and friend. I am better for knowing him and the lessons I learned from watching him made me a better officer. DD, you will be missed, God’s speed.
My prayers are you all… I pray your grief will be replaced with endless fond memories of your extraordinary son, husband, father, brother, and friend…
So sorry for your loss Tracy!!! I know what a blessing Jeff was in your life, and even though he never made it out here to visit all your WI family – just know that he’s in our prayers. May God Bless you and your family these coming days and weeks. Can’t wait to see you all in October.
Love – Karen, Dean and family
Dear Christina,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss. I didn’t know your father, but from what you’ve told me, I know you are a reflection of him in your strength and warm spirit. Wishing you peace and strength during this dificult time.
Love,
Phoebe Hitson
I’m sitting here in absolute shock having just read the notification of Jeffrey’s passing. He was my age. Although I did not know him for very long, in the short couple of years that I did serve with him at COMCARGRU 4, I did make a good friend in him. He always had a smile, was always one for a good joke, and never stressed out over the job. He was just a great guy to have around, and to be around. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. And to those of us who were fortunate enough to have our career paths intersect with Jeff’s, remember him as a true comrade, a true patriot, and a true American.
The best boss I ever had and one of the best fighter pilots that I have known. My only regret is that I didn’t get to fly with him. DD was the consummate professional and I am glad that I had a chance to work with him and just sit in his office and BS about fighter stuff.
Saddened to hear of DD passing. I had the privilege of being one of his students at Topgun and working with him at Oceana. He was a talented pilot, gifted instructor and above all a trusted mentor with a calm and firm guiding hand. I pray that peace and understanding will be with all his friends and family during this journey.