Obituary of James M. Dodson

James Michael Dodson, 94, formerly of Cooksburg, PA passed into eternal life on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at Homestead Hearth Personal Care Home in Centerville. Born at home in North Pine Grove, Clarion County on September 26, 1915, he was the son of James William and Magdalene Gatesman Dodson. Jim married the former Catherine E. Greville on May 18, 1947 at St. Callistus Church in Kane and she preceded him in death on March 3, 2000. Jim was employed by the former Knox Glass and Glass Containers Corporation of Marienville for over thirty years, retiring in 1978. He completed eighth grade at North Pine Grove School and proudly earned his GED when his eldest son, James graduated in 1970. Jim was a good natured and easy going person. His strong faith, warm sense of humor and thankful spirit brought cheer to all who knew him. He was a great father, grandfather and uncle and friend will be remembered lovingly. Jim will be remembered most for his gift of music. As a boy, he played old time fiddle by ear with his father and brother. Jim loved music and taught himself theory, playing in the Knox Glass Company Employee Band as a young man. Along with fiddle, he taught himself saxophone and accordion. He entertained for round and square dances in many venues in the Clarion area. For a time, he played in a duo with his son, Jim, called the JayD's. In recent years, after moving to personal care, Jim continued playing keyboard at the Union City Senior Center and at Homestead Hearth Personal Care. His music will be missed by all who enjoyed it. He was immensely proud that his grandchildren, Arden, Laura, Leah and Dominic, all are carrying on and sharing his gift of music. Jim is survived by two daughters, Jean Callovini and her husband, Ronald of Wexford and Mary Brown and her husband, Arden of Union City. He is survived by four grandchildren, Arden and Laura Brown and Leah and Dominic Callovini. He is also survived by two sisters, Theresa Schmader of Sharon and Rita Szymanski of Kane. In addition to his parents and wife, Jim was preceded in death by two sons, Richard and James Dodson II and two sisters, Mary Eisenman and Ann Galvin and a brother, Joseph Dodson. Friends and family may call on Friday, April 16, 2010 from 2 - 4 & 7 - 9 at the Borland Funeral Home, Inc. in Leeper. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Church in Crown with Rev. Gregory Passauer, pastor of the church, as celebrant. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to: Union City Senior Center, 27 Johnson St., Union City, PA 16438, Sawmill Center for the Arts, P.O. Box 180, Cooksburg, PA 16217, St. Mary Church in Crown, PA 16220 or Homestead Hearth Personal Care Home, Activity Fund, 35238 State Road 77, Centerville, PA 16404.