Lt. Jeffrey Dodds, 57 of rural Ames, passed away on August 28, 2024. Staying to Jeff's wishes, no formal services will be held but a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Jeff was born on May 17, 1967, in Story City to John and Mary (Mortenson) Dodds. Jeff spent his early years growing up in Gilbert, Iowa and was a graduate of Gilbert High School with the class of 1985. After high school, Jeff started his career with the Story County Sheriff's Office in 1987 assigned to the Jail division. In May of 1988 he graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and was transferred to the Field Services Division in the fall of 1989. He worked as a patrol deputy for 8 years. In 1997 he was assigned to investigations as a detective until being promoted to Sergeant in 2005. After serving a year as a Patrol Sergeant he was reassigned back to investigations as Detective Sergeant. In 2008 Lt. Dodds attended the FBI National Academy and was promoted to Lieutenant in June of 2008. In August of 2014 he was reassigned to the Support Services Division as Commander. Jeff retired after 30 years of honorable public service.
Lt. Dodds is a member of the National Sheriff's Association, Iowa State Sheriff's and Deputies Association, Law Enforcement Intelligence Network, Midwest Organized Crime Information Center, and the FBI National Academy Alumni Association, Iowa Chapter.
He was united in marriage to Lisa Hansen on June 2, 1989, and the two would raise their family in the Ames area.
In his free time Jeff enjoyed being outside, but you would more than likely find him just wandering the timber, or practicing his Archery on the farm, and was more often than not tinkering with his bow collection. Jeff was a proud lifetime member of the Iowa Bow Hunters Association and had hosted a collection of more than 50 bows. When not keeping quite hunting you could hear him a mile away blasting his favorite band Def Leppard. Jeff was instrumental in all the lives that came into his sphere and anyone that had the opportunity to call him a friend will surely miss his smile.
Jeff is survived by his wife Lisa, children: Ashton, Austin, Adam, Andrew. Mother Mary, his brother Mike Dodds, his sister Mendy (Bob) Mingus, & his niece & nephew Jared & Molly Mingus.
Jeff is preceded in death by his father, John Dodds.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
My deepest condolences for the family of such an amazing man. Jeff came into my life when I was a young girl and he was there for me and always made sure I had what I needed. Jeff touched my heart in ways that I can never fully explain but he please know that his kind heart and loving soul, shaped me into the woman I am today. I am so sorry for your loss.
Our deepest and most heartfelt care to the Dodds family. Craig enjoyed his years working with Jeff and our son, Gavyn, enjoyed a friendship with Ashton as a classmate and coworker. Sending all our love. We are so very sorry regarding this great loss. -Craig, Lani, Kekoa and Gavyn McKinney
I have had the pleasure of knowing Jeff and Lisa through their fur babies. I have been blessed to know them both. He will be missed. Thinking of his family.
Jeff was a gift to all of us. I am so grateful that I was able to rub elbows with him for all of those years. As a paramedic, I knew that he always had my back. And, he was one of the good guys.
Jeff is my cousin and above all i wonderful man. He alwaya looked out for me and my daughters.
Jeff - You would never agree to a social media post; neither would I. However, these are special circumstances. I want people to know you were my friend and I will miss you. Until we meet again, brother, love you.
Jeff’s Family- I am so so sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. I was fortunate enough to have our paths cross while he was at Sheriff’s Office and I EMS. He was a joy to work along side during this time. My sympathy to you all. Ellen McCardle Woods
Lisa & sons, Mary, Mike & Mindy- When we grow up in a smaller community, our lives mingle with one another. So many memories of Jeff as a classmate - his smile and sense of humor stand out. Your family is loved and kept close in prayers.
Brenda Thielen-Schwager
Lisa and family, I had known Jeff since kindergarten and the tender age of 5. I am so very sorry to hear of his death far too early. You are all in my thoughts.
Lisa, Mary and family, my deepest condolences for your loss. Jeff will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Sending thoughts and prayers to all of you during this most difficult time.
Krista Davison-Mullenger
I worked with Jeff when I was a dispatcher with Story County Sheriff’s Office. I enjoyed working with Jeff.
Jeff was always so kind. May you rest in peace dear friend. Comfort, prayers and love to Lisa and their sons, family and friends.
Jean Assmann
We are thinking of the Dodds family. Sorry for your loss.
Lyle, Phebe, Sophia, and Ben Hammes
I worked with Jeff many many years ago at the Sheriff's Office. I am so very sorry for your family's loss. May God comfort you all during this time.
Julie Erickson
I've known Jeff since he was a little kid. Such a kind person. I always called him Jeffy, even when he was working for the Sheriff's Department, although I did call him Deputy Jeffy then :) My heart breaks for Mary, Mike, Mendy, Lisa and all his sons. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
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