Obituary of Jed Edwin Dodds

Jed Edwin Dodds On May 12, 2014, at the age of 65, Jed Edwin Dodds, Sr., courageously lost his six-year battle with cancer. Jed was born in Flint, Michigan, to Marjorie Chapman Dodds and Donald K. Dodds (deceased). He was a truly amazing husband, father, grandfather (PAPA), son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. For over 43 years, Jed and his wife, Camilla, were best friends; and together they raised three wonderful children, Justin (Brittany), Katrina (Mark Schleicher), and Jed Jr. (Cassie). Jed adored and loved spending time with his three grandchildren, Riley and Bailey Schleicher and Jaxon Wallace. A new Dodds baby is on the way, and we are sure Jed will be smiling from heaven. Jed is preceded in death by his father, Donald K. Dodds; his brother, Keith A. Dodds; his father-in-law, George V. Vaccaro; and his brother-in-law, George J. Vaccaro. Jed's large extended family includes his mom, Marjorie Dodds; his sisters, Nancy (Larry) Caber and Donna (Mark) Whiticare; his brother, Dean Dodds; mother-in-law, Dolores Vaccaro; brothers-in-law, Frank (Michelle) Vaccaro, Peter (Michel) Vaccaro, and Gaetano Vaccaro; sisters-in-law, Cindy Dodds, Eileen Vaccaro, and Maureen Tritle; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jed and Camilla owned and operated Dodds Concrete Company for over 33 years. Jed was very proud of the work he did here in Tucson; and the community respected Jed for his integrity, hard work, and his quality workmanship. Jed also cherished the many friends he made over the years in the construction industry. Jed loved playing golf, fishing and skiing with his children and dear friends. Also, one of his favorite places was the Reid Park Zoo, where he enjoyed being around the animals. His connection to animals began as a young boy growing up on his family's farm in Michigan. The Dodds family would like to thank the many special doctors and nurses that helped them care for Jed through this difficult illness. A sincere thank you to Dr. Edward Wolin and his team at Cedars-Sinai Center, Dr. Donald Brooks and his team at Arizona Oncology, and Dr. Gary Bohay. A very special thank you to Camilla's brother, Dr. Gaetano Vaccaro, for his unparalleled dedication and medical clarity, helping everyone through this journey. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to a fund to build a bench that will be at the ZOO for all to honor and remember Jed. Donations may be made in Jed's name to the Reid Park Zoological Society, 1030 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, Arizona 85716. The phone number is 520-881-4753. Please join the family to Celebrate Jed's life at his "Happy Place"--the Reid Park Zoo--at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, 2014. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.