Who was James ‘Uncle Jimmy’ Dodds? The deputy, mentor and KC radio personality
A goofy, affectionate sports radio host was beloved in Kansas City and beyond for his ability to make light of hard situations, and always working for something greater than himself.
Most people knew James Dodds, 64, as “Uncle Jimmy” for his jokester personality on sports talk radio, and for his appearances on the Fox Sports program “Speak for Yourself.”
Those closer to him knew about his work as a Wyandotte County deputy, where he served the sheriff’s department for over 15 years.
In Kansas City, Dodds’ passion was also inspiring children. His daughter, Areiona King, said she remembers him wanting to be a positive role model.
“When he came back to Kansas City he told me, ‘I want to talk to kids. I want to encourage them and be one of the few male voices that can pour some wisdom on them,’” King said.
Dodds was wounded in a shooting outside his home in the 3800 block of North 82nd Terrace in Kansas City, Kansas, on Sunday. He died at a hospital Monday, police said.
Three 18-year-olds have been charged with murder in connection with Dodds’ death. Few details have been released about what led to the shooting.
Dodds’ TV stint in Los Angeles
Dodds worked for a while in Los Angeles for a full-time gig in TV, mostly on Fox Sports 1. A few years later he moved to Nashville to do work on the Blaze Media network, where he continued work with Jason Whitlock.
He moved back to Kansas City around 2022 to launch his own podcast, “Jimspiracy.” His podcast was quirky, but he saw it as his chance to merge the real Uncle Jimmy, known by loved ones, and Uncle Jimmy the entertainer, King said.
“During his tenure (at the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Department) he worked closely with the juvenile detention center and was a strong advocate for youth,” King said.
“He went out of his way to speak life into them to take a different path,” she said.
Dodds’ volunteering in KCK
In Dodds’ later years, he frequently volunteered with the Jenga Klub’s community organization, reading to children at local schools.
Dodds had plans to continue his creative ventures, right up to his sudden death this week, King said. He even helped make TikTok videos while working at Shawnee Mission Ford.
“It was just another avenue for him to do what he does best, and he recognized that,” King said.
The car dealership honored Dodds in a social media post Wednesday.
“Jimmy was an incredible man whose kindness, dedication, and positive spirit made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” the post said.
“Jimmy will be greatly missed, but his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched.”
The post also said they’re standing with Dodds’ family and friends as they grieve the loss of a “truly remarkable man.”
“The world met Uncle Jimmy, but he was already so many things before he reached that height,” King said. “Lucky for us all, no matter who else believed, he always knew exactly who he was.”
