James F. Odell

James F. Odell of Norman, Oklahoma was born to Albert Sidney and Johanna Francis (Anderson) Odell on September 23, 1928 in Brentwood, Arkansas. He passed on March 23, 2020 at the age of 91.

James may have been born in Arkansas, but he was raised in Oklahoma, as he liked to say. James joined the United States Army shortly after high school and served in the Korean Conflict. In 1953 he married the love of his life, Virginia Lou Ingram, in Chandler, Oklahoma, and it was two years later in 1955 that the couple moved to Norman. Though he wasn’t extremely verbose about his service, James was a proud member of the American Legion and understood the sacrifices that have been made for this country.

James loved being outdoors. If you couldn’t find him mowing the grass or working in his garden you could surely find him fishing, anywhere from the Gulf, to the Illinois River, to Lake Tenkiller. He loved visiting Port Aransas, Texas with his wife and their friends where they would, of course, spend much of their time fishing. When he wasn’t fishing or working in the yard, James could always be found tinkering with something or other. James thrived in the presence of others, a characteristic he carried even into retirement by chauffeuring Rivermont residents to church and around town.

James was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Pamela Odell; sister Jeanne Drake; twin siblings Andy Odell and Ann Thorne; sister Lucy Faye Gifford; brother Johnny Odell; and an infant brother, the first born of the family.

James is survived by: wife Virginia Odell; sons Jay and Scott Odell, both of Norman; brother Joe Odell of Stroud, Oklahoma; grandchildren Travis James Odell, Sarah Elizabeth Odell, Jason Merz of Norman; and great-grandchildren Dylan Nicole Odell-Kesterson and Isabella Odell-Hughbanks.

James’ family has entrusted his care to Tribute Memorial Care in Norman (708 24th Ave NW, 405.292.4787). A graveside service for the family will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, March 26th in the Stroud Cemetery in Stroud, Oklahoma. Memorial services will be held at a later date.