James Thomas Odell

Odell East Bend - James Thomas Odell, Jim, left this world, Wednesday, September 21, 2016. He was born June 29, 1955, 2:00am at Grace-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut. Early on, it became clear that he was to be joined by a baby sister. This wish was granted when Beth Ann joined the family August 31, 1960. At a very young age, he began reading full-length books, enjoying the outdoors, especially the live oaks near the family home in Jacksonville, Florida and playing with friends in the woods and yards. As a boy, he played baseball, football, and basketball. Jim attended Saint Jude elementary school in Atlanta, Georgia, Ballard High School in Louisville, Kentucky, Millersburg Military Academy in Millersburg, Kentucky, and attended classes at Wake Forest University. He then worked at AMP, Inc. in Kernersville. During his high school years, Jim enjoyed summer trips with the family across the United States. Jim married Virginia (Ginger) March, daughter of Howard March, founder and for years, owner and operator of Marsh Furniture, Inc. in High Point and Ethel March. Ginger left us December 22, 2006. In later years, as a resident of assisted living facilities, Jim continued to enjoy reading and lunch out and picnics with family members. Jim particularly relishes visits from his sister, Beth Ann Ham, and cousin, Mary Ann Inslee. Throughout these years, he would recall with exacting detail the cross country trips, other important events of his life, and his years with Ginger in great detail. He found joy in discussing history and abstract ideas and continued reading. Recently he asked for a copy of a book by Upton Sinclair and a copy of a book by Victor Hugo so that he might read them again. Jim is survived by his mother, Mary Ann Odell of Arbor Acres, Winston Salem; father, W.H. Odell and wife Rose of East Bend; sister, Beth Ann Ham, of Zebulon; and cousins, Mary Ann Facente and husband Robert of Columbia, Maryland, Joseph Inslee of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Lucile Williams of Aurora, Colorado, and Katherine Inslee of Pahoa, Hawaii. A mass celebrating his life will be held Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at 11:00am at Saint Leo's Catholic Church, 355 Springdale Ave. Winston Salem with Father Brian J. Cook officiating. Interment will follow at Forsyth Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Odell family.