James Elden Dodrill

September 16, 1926 - April 2, 2020

James Elden Dodrill, 93, of Sarasota, FL passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2020. He was a beloved oldest son and brother, born September 16, 1926 in Tioga, WV to George M. and Ruby O. (Hanna) Dodrill. He spent 27 distinguished years in the US Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He spent 14 of those years in Germany during and after World War II. He saw action in the Philippine Islands in World War II and served 2 years in Vietnam. He was awarded the Soldier’s Medal and the Bronze Star while in Vietnam. He was a charter member of the Army Aviation Association of America. Upon his return from the military he became a banker in the Savings and Loan Industry. He joined Rotary, the Masons and the Shrine. In 1988 he was Potentate of the Kerak Shrine in Reno, NV and authored a book called “Fly High with the Shrine.” Also, he was the Vice President of the Shrine Circus Association of North America. In 2006 he was the Circus Program Chairman for the Sahib Shrine in Sarasota. His favorite pastimes were golf and playing cards. On March 26, 1967 he married Claudia J. Carrera who survives him along with his adopted daughter Betty Ann (Allen) McDonald from North Carolina; brother, William Z (Janet) Dodrill of Valparaiso, IN, sister, Margaret E (Bill) Talbott of Colorado Springs, CO; 4 sisters-in-law: Marilyn, Laural, and Charlotte Dodrill of Valparaiso, IN and Petie Dodrill of Westerville, OH; 4 grandchildren: Heidi and Mackey McDonald and Travis and Chris Dodrill and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 2 sons, James Q. Dodrill and James Lee (Buddy) Dodrill; sister, Letha Jo Barber; brothers, Howard, George, Charles, Roger, and Scott Dodrill. Memorial service pending.