James O'Dell

James O'Dell, age 76, of Greeley, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, at the Olathe Medical Center in Olathe, Kansas. James was born on July 11, 1935, in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, the son of H. Claude and Bertha Pearl (Crawford) O'Dell. He was united in marriage to Carolyn Gilner on May 21, 1975, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Jim worked as a small order cook in the lower bottoms in Kansas City, Missouri, before joining the Army where he was a Sergeant for 12 years. He then served in the National Guard for 6 years. He was stationed in Africa, France and Germany while in the service. Jim worked at the New Cumberland Army Depot for 10 years before retiring in 1979. He then ventured into operating concession stands in bingo halls in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. After moving to Greeley in 2000, his hobby became purchasing cattle in the spring and selling in the fall. He also worked part-time at Wal-Mart in Paola for 10 years. He was a lifetime member of American Legion Post #1001 in Pennsylvania. He became a Commander and District Deputy. He was also a member of AA for 32 years, where his commitment to the group helped many people. Jim was a member of St. John's Church in Greeley, Kansas. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family, including his grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was a private person but enjoyed family activities. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Rita Marie Leffler; sisters, Jessie Pearl O'Dell; Florence O'Dell; Lillie Roberta O'Dell; Mary (Pete) Easterling; brothers, Donald Jean O'Dell and Bobbie O'Dell. Jim is survived by his wife, Carolyn O'Dell, of the home; son, James William O'Dell II; daughters, Deborah Lee Spencer; Melody Anne O'Dell of Garnett, Kansas; Teresa Kathleen O'Dell; brothers, Samuel Snow and Charles Warner; sisters, Margaret Snow and Linda Warner; fifteen grandchildren; and fourteen great grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 5, 2012, at St. John's Catholic Church in Greeley, Kansas. Burial will follow in the St. John's Cemetery in Greeley. A Rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday evening at St. John's Church, with visitation following at the St. John's Parish Hall from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Parish and left in care of the funeral home.