Jim Dodge is an American novelist and poet. His works often blend themes of folklore and fantasy, set in a timeless present. He has published three novels: Fup, Not Fade Away, and Stone Junction, as well as a collection of poetry and prose titled Rain on the River.

Dodge was born in 1945 and grew up as an Air Force brat. As an adult, he spent many years living on an almost self-sufficient commune in West Sonoma County, California. Over the years, he has held various jobs, including apple picker, carpet layer, teacher, professional gambler, shepherd, woodcutter, and environmental restorer.

He received his Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing/Poetry from the University of Iowa Writers Workshop in 1969. Dodge has also been the director of the Creative Writing program.