Obituary of James Wesley Odell

James Wesley Odell, 97, passed away peacefully on June 23rd, 2021. He is preceded in death by his parents, James Turner and Nellie Odell, and sisters Nelda Pope and Maylene Waln. Left to cherish his memory are daughters Jami Head and husband Richard, Jody Bores and husband Joe, Jana Odell and husband Charlie Caldwell, grandchildren Robert Burns, Ryan Burns, Jacqui McGrew, and Julianna Dean, along with a host of many other family and friends. James was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was always the life of any party; his excitement and energy were infectious. James never met a stranger and made new friends anywhere he went. He was a veteran Navy pilot who flew fighters in WWII and rescue helicopters in the Korean war. He was a Christian man and lifelong church member, and he was supportive of homeless ministries. James was a Gideon, 32nd degree Mason, and Shriner. He thoroughly enjoyed being a member of the Shriner motor patrol and participating in motorcycle riding exhibitions. He had a lifelong interest in automobiles, especially vintage ones. This led him to a long and successful career in selling auto parts and batteries across the nation. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. A graveside service will be held Thursday, July 1st, at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas, Texas. The service will begin at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the USO in his name.