John Wayne Dodson

It is with great sadness that the family of John Wayne Dodson (78), announce his passing on December 3, 2024 in Elk Grove, CA due to complications from Alzheimer’s. 

He was a man of immense humor and wisdom and he cherished every moment spent with his loved ones.

John was born on December 13, 1945 in San Bernardino, CA to Elmer and Donna Dodson. He had an older sister, Rena. John graduated from San Bernardino High School in 1963. He attended San Bernardino Valley College and San Diego State before being drafted into the Army, where he earned the elite distinction of serving as a Green Beret in Vietnam. Known for their rigorous training and unwavering dedication, Green Berets are among the most skilled and disciplined soldiers in the military. 

Upon discharge from the Army, he enrolled at Cal State University San Bernardino. He graduated in 1971 with a B.A. in Psychology. He went on to get an elementary school teaching credential in 1972.

On December 3, 1972 John married his lovely wife, Toni. They had two children, Jason and Stephanie. John would always go the extra mile for his family, whether it was being a little league coach or staying up late to help with homework. Helping his kids was his love language – a commitment that extended well into their adulthood. From negotiating deals at the car dealership to fixing a broken appliance at a moment’s notice, he relished the opportunity to lend a hand. For him, helping his family wasn’t just a duty; it was one of the deepest joys of his life.

John taught 5th grade for two years in Baldwin Park before deciding teaching was not for him. He then worked for Martin Business Machines before going to work for the State of California. He worked for the Department of Justice as a Special Agent and Office of Inspector General as Senior Deputy Inspector General. He retired after 31 years in December of 2007.

After retirement, John (and Toni) became “playmates” for their twin grandsons, Brady and Justin. They enjoyed excursions to various restaurants, playing in the park, attending the movies, looking at books and drinking Frappuccinos at Barnes and Noble. John was a devoted and loving “Pop Pop” who cherished every moment with his grandsons. He was their biggest cheerleader, faithfully attending their baseball, soccer, and lacrosse games, no matter the distance or weather. With his camera always in hand, John not only supported them from the sidelines but also captured their triumphs and teamwork in stunning photographs that will be treasured for generations. His pride in their accomplishments and the joy he found in their laughter and growth was unmatched, leaving behind a legacy of unconditional love and unwavering support.

John loved adventure and traveling with his family. In their early married years, John and Toni would go skiing to Park City, Utah and Mammoth, California. Then he became an avid scuba diver and was a very good underwater photographer. Through the years, they went on over a dozen cruises around various parts of the world. His favorite trip was to Australia where he got to dive at The Great Barrier Reef. In the later years, John and Toni spent every anniversary in Maui, their favorite island. John also enjoyed playing golf and was ecstatic the day he achieved what most golfers only dream of – a hole in one. 

John loved music. He played the trombone and the guitar. He was also an accomplished singer. He sang in the choir for almost 30 years at Valley Community Church in Sacramento. Even when he went into memory care, his favorite activity was karaoke. He would stand up and sing at the top of his lungs. At the end, his family would play his favorite songs and he would try so hard to get out a few words.

John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Toni, his daughter Stephanie, his son Jason and daughter-in-law Kelli, and his twin grandsons, Brady and Justin. John’s family was everything to him. He loved them to infinity and beyond. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. 

“Seeing death as the end of life is like seeing the horizon as the end of the ocean.”