John Theodore Dozzi

Jack was born on July 9th, 1935, in Fort Morgan, Colorado. He was one of two sons, born to Alfred & Merle Dozzi.

He graduated from Fort Morgan High School in Colorado in 1953, where he played football and helped the team to win the Class A State Football Championship in 1952. He went on to attend Colorado State University and the University of Colorado.

He later enlisted in the Air Force in 1954 and proudly served as a Pilot flying propellor and jet airplanes. Jack was a proud patriot and loved America. Growing up in a family that immigrated from Italy and Germany, he spent his childhood years hearing about stories of immigrating to America and the love they had for their new country. He heard stories of his Great-Grandfathers who fought in the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Ultimately, he was inspired by every generation before him, and it is the reason he enlisted in the Air Force. His grandsons, Staff Sgt. Kalen Dozzi and Sr. Airman Cooper Dozzi followed in “Grandpa Jacks” footsteps by joining the Air Force and both are currently serving overseas.

On November 5th, 1960, he married Susan Ann Joy.

Jack was a Licensed Photogrammetrist and lived in many states, including Colorado, Montana, California, and Minnesota to further his career. Finally, he moved to South Dakota and was Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Horizons Inc, in Rapid City, South Dakota for 27 years. He traveled the world for work and even traveled to Washington DC and back in one day for lunch meetings.

Jack was a man of strong faith and served as a Lay Minister in the Episcopal Church. He and his wife Susan were very active in the Cursillo Movement and Retreats.

He officially retired in 2002 and moved to Hillsboro, OR to be near grandchildren. After two years of retirement, he was ready to go back to work. He was fortunate enough to combine his two loves into his final career: driving and talking to people. He drove the Nike Campus Transport Van, meeting and talking to the Nike employees every day.

His love for airplanes continued as he volunteered on weekends as a Docent for the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, OR. His favorite exhibit to take the guests through was the Spruce Goose. Jack enjoyed his time at Evergreen Aviation and shared stories of his work frequently. He loved photography, airplanes, the Green Bay Packers, and his dog Scampi.

After the death of his wife Susan in 2014, he relocated to California to be with his oldest daughter Andrea and her family. He lived at Parkview Christian Estates and made many friends that became family, especially his caregiver “Buddy”. In 2021 he moved with Andrea’s family to Idaho and spent his final 3 years at Copper Springs Senior Living.

Jack never met a person he didn’t like and made everyone his best friend. He loved to sit and talk and laugh for hours. Even in his final years at Copper Springs Senior Living, he loved to chat and laugh with his caregivers. His email address was HappyJackCountry@ and that exemplified Jack. He was always happy, offering a smile, laugh, and gratitude for every parson he knew, whether a minute or a lifetime. His glass was never “half-full”, his glass was always overflowing.

He is survived by his three children, Andrea and Chuck Covolo of Meridian, Idaho, Kevin and Renee Dozzi of Menomonee Falls, WI, and Diana Halvorsen of Hillsboro, OR, seven grandchildren Emily Covolo, Courtney Covolo, Staff Sgt. Kalen Dozzi, Sr Airman Cooper and Haley Dozzi, Rachel (Dozzi) and Nate Birch, Kristine Halvorsen, Natalie Halvorsen, a brother-in-law and sister-in-law Rick and Suzy Joy.

He is preceded in death by his parents Alfred & Merle Dozzi, his brother, Howard, his wife Susan (Joy) Dozzi, and his beloved dog Scampi.

The family wishes to thank all the special caregivers at Copper Springs Senior Living who became his friends and family.

Interment will be at Finley-Sunset Hills Memorial Park, 6801 SW Sunset Highway in Portland, OR on Monday, February 26, 2024

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to https://idahohumanesociety.org/donate/

Cards to the family can be sent to John T. Dozzi Family @ 10673 W Lake Hazel Rd #309, Boise, ID 83709.