James “Jimmy” William Dodgen

Mr. James “Jimmy” William Dodgen, age 84, of Concord, passed away January 6, 2025.  Jimmy was born in Newnan, son of the late Marshall Fay Dodgen and Emily Sacola Harrison Dodgen.  In his early years, he and his brother, Marshall, owned and operated Harrison’s Department Store in Hampton and he also worked for Burlow Vending Co., a concession supplier for major motor speedways and sporting venues in the south. Later, Jimmy and his wife opened The KarmelKorn Shoppe at Southlake Mall and then Kaye’s Containers in Hampton where for years they made and packaged a delicious variety of popcorn.

For many years, Jimmy and Kaye enjoyed life in Hiawassee where he was known for building beautiful birdhouses that he gifted to family and friends.  Jimmy especially loved being with his family. He was “the original” girl dad.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Marshall Dodgen.

He is survived by his wife and companion of 55 years: Kaye Dodgen; children: Susan Dodgen, Shayne Gilliland (Courtney), Bonnie Dodgen, Terri Wilkerson (Bobby), Christy Tomarchio (Matthew), and Deborah Johnson (Marc); brother: Tommy Dodgen (Elon); sister: Patricia Martin (David); sister-in-law: Connie Dodgen; thirteen grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 2 p.m., in Moody Memorial Gardens.  Rev. Bruce Berry will officiate. 

Friends may visit the family on Thursday, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., at the funeral home.

Jimmy’s famous last words, “I don’t like coffee, and I don’t like tea’.