James L. Odell, Sr.

Obituary: James L. Odell, Sr., age 88, passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at Tucker Hospice House, Kannapolis, NC. He was born March 18, 1928 in Rowan County, NC, the son of the late Walter C. Odell, Sr. and Lizzie Ritchie Odell. He was a 1945 graduate of the former J.W. Cannon High School. James was vice-president of the former Odell Insurance Agency in Kannapolis where he had worked for the majority of his career which was founded by his father. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers serving in the Korean Conflict from 1952 to 1954 attaining the rank of Corporal. He was also active through the years with the American Legion Post 115 where he had served as Past Legion Commander. Many of his military buddies will remember his involvement in the Eighty & Eight organization. James was heavily involved with the Boy Scouts Troop 36 of Kannapolis at First Presbyterian Church where he had also served as Assistant Scout Master there. As part of scouting he was invited to go to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico in 1975. Among his many varied interests he served as a Salvation Army volunteer. James was an active member at First Baptist Church, Kannapolis, NC for sixty-five years where he had served as a deacon, on the Finance Committee, an usher, and was active in the Men's Club breakfast for many years. James enjoyed surf fishing at the N.C. Outer Banks. He also was interested in the Kannapolis History Associates and current events. James also had a strong interest in a wide range of musical styles, but his favorites were bluegrass, jazz, and old-time Gospel. Many of his friends will fondly remember his love of breakfast club with the retired old men eating out called the ROMEOS (Retired Old Men Eating Out). In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his wife of sixty-five years, Phyllis Hartis Odell in 2014; his brothers, George Odell, Walter Odell, Sr., and his sisters, Rachael Long and Mary Ellen Goodnight. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday, July 24, 2016 at First Baptist Church, Kannapolis, NC officiated by Dr. Thomas E. Cabaniss. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park, Kannapolis, NC. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 PM Sunday at the church prior to the memorial service. Survivors include his children, James L. Odell, Jr. and Anne Odell James & husband, Donald; his grandchildren, Ashley Argo Dunkin & husband, Matthew Dunkin, Michael P. James & wife, Katie James; six great-grandchildren, Jaceon Dunkin, Jaxon Dunkin, Grace Dunkin, Wyatt James, Cameron James, and Grant James. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 101 N. Main Street, Kannapolis, NC 28081 or the Boy Scouts of America, Central N.C. Council, P.O. Box 250, Albemarle, NC 28002. On-line condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com, Kannapolis, NC who is serving the family.
Visitation: 2:00-3:00 P.M. Sunday July 24, 2016 First Baptist Church Kannapolis, N.C.

Service: 3:00 P.M. Sunday July 24, 2016 First Baptist Church Kannapolis, N.C.

Interment: Carolina Memorial Park Kannapolis, N.C.