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James "Jimmy" Ray Odham, Jr., 42, of New Bern died Saturday, June 22, 2013, at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville.
He was co-owner of Cotten Funeral Home before its sale in 1998. He was currently working for the company that owns the funeral home as a Market Manager where he continued to lead Cotten Funeral Home and other funeral homes and cemeteries throughout Eastern North Carolina. He enjoyed hunting and spending time with his family. He was a member of the Beaver Creek Hunting Club and the New Bern Elks Lodge.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, B. T. and Doris Odham, Walter Kernade and Berta Wilson, and Ruby and Ralph Morris.
He is survived by his wife, Crystal Powers Odham; two sons, James Odham III and Matthew Odham both of the home; parents, James Ray and Carolyn W. Odham of New Bern; mother, Mary Jo Lowdermilk of Vanceboro and brother, Joe Lowdermilk of Vanceboro.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 25, 2013, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cotten Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 26, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at Cotten Funeral Home. Interment will be at Greenleaf Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be made to the Odham family at www.cottenfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.
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Very sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. My sympathies to the family.
Bob Snow
July 2, 2013
Just want you to know Crystal, that you and your boys are still in our prayers and thoughts. If there is anything thing we can do for you just let us know. Just remember that you are all in GODS tender care. He will get you through all of this, as will your family and friends. Love you and the boys sweetheart. Love Lynn, Fred and ASHLEY SIMPSON.
Lynn C. Simpson
July 1, 2013
james very sorry to hear about jimmy billy oney
billy oney
July 1, 2013
Our thoughts are with you during this traumatic time. Paul, Dawn, Alexx & Reese Martin
The Martin
July 1, 2013
Crystal, James, and Matthew, my heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. Please know you remain in my thoughts and prayers even though I am far away from you. Mrs. Morse
Marilu Morse
June 29, 2013
Tammy, we were so sorry to hear about your cousin Jimmy's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Alan and Joyce Snow
June 27, 2013
I learned about jimmy's hospitalization about a week before I heard of his death. We have had little contact since the sale of Cotten FH, yet I hold fond memories of Jimmy when we both served on the NCFDA board of directors together. It was a time when we communicated frequently about work trials and pleasures. He was a joy to travel with and interact with professionally. I express my sympathy to Crystal and all of his family. May God bless you during this most difficult time.
Robert Wilkerson
June 27, 2013
Our deepest sympathies to the Odom family during this unexpected time, from your business partners at Bratcher Funeral Home. God Bless.
Mykel Litterell
June 27, 2013
Crystal, I will be praying for you and your family. I want ever
forget the many times I went in the florist and bought beautiful flowers
from you both. Just loved you both dearly. God Bless You, He will
surely be missed. Ann Cox Vancebor, NC
June 27, 2013
Jimmy was a remarkable young man, he will be missed by all that knew him and the world will be a lesser place with his absence. James Ray and Carolyn you have our condolences and prayers if you need anything please let us know.
John and Cyndi McAlexander
Montclair, VA
John and Cyndi McAlexander
June 26, 2013
One of my joys of the Keystone days was meeting Jimmy. I always enjoyed the managers meeting because you knew Jimmy would be full of energy and fresh new ideas. My prayers go to the entire Odham family.
Eddie Overholt
June 26, 2013
So sorry for the entire family's loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at the tragic time. He is obviously going to missed by so many people. He helped so many families during their own personal time of sorrow, and was a great man. He put his heart in his job and treated each family as if they were his own. He will be greatly missed by many!
The Mobley's
June 26, 2013
Jimmy was a great guy and someone I considered a friend. He had a true passion for funeral service and a heart as big as the outdoors. I will miss our phone calls and sharing our hunting stories.
Greg White
June 26, 2013
Dearest Family, I have known Jimmy since he was a wee one. I didn't see him often but when I did he always seemed so excited to see me and treated me like a long lost Aunt. Never forgot my name. Loved him and will miss him.
Ms Joan (otherwise know as Leslie's mom)
Joan Cuthrell Buck
June 26, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. Jimmy was such a wonderful, loving, caring Christian. He will be missed by many. May God wrap His loving arms around each of you and give you peace and strength during this difficult time. We are so sorry we were unable to attend visitation due to not being in New Bern. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Rev. Perry & Ann Hill Turner
June 26, 2013
Dear family - Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Jimmy was a special person and we are all better for knowing him. He loved his profession and his family very much. I know your memories will bring you comfort in the days, weeks and years to come. Take Care!
John & Nancy Coble
June 26, 2013
To The Odham Family,
We watched Little Jimmy grow from a bright eyed young funeral director into a knowledgeable professional.within the funeral and floral industries and were proud of him. He always offered or gave a helping hand to those in need. Each and everyone of you and the Cotten Staff will have memories to share which will keep him alive in your heart.
You are in our prayers. The Dove Family and Staff
June 26, 2013
Crystal and James Ray
My hope and prayer for your entire family is to find comfort in these condolences and the support of the many people gathered together with you at this sad time. It is a true testament to Jimmy that so many different people from across the country are gathered together by one common thread, and that is our deep respect and highest regard for Jimmy.
For all that Jimmy did to help others in their time of need and the support he provided to his professional colleagues – I am grateful for the opportunities to have worked with him and to simply have known him.
Nelson Thulin
June 25, 2013
Crystal and Odham Family,
We were so saddened to hear the news of Jimmy's passing. Josh always spoke very high of you and Jimmy both. We thank Jimmy for the influence he had on Josh's life and for the example he set. Crystal we are also grateful for the help you have given him at Coble Ward-Smith. We will continue to lift you and the rest of your family up in prayer.
Our deepest sympathy.
Jim and Jo Heidenreich
June 25, 2013
We send our thoughts and prayers that God will bring you peace of mind, now and in the days ahead. Robert D Lunaas Jr and Mrs. Elizabeth Lunaas
Robert Lunaas
June 25, 2013
Praying God comforts you and your family. Cheryl Scott
Cheryl Scott
June 25, 2013
Thoughts and Prayers for all of the Odham family.
Gregory Purser
June 25, 2013
Odham Family,
Our prayers and heartfelt sympathy we send to all of you. May the Lord give you comfort and peace. Love, Don and Gail Cox
June 25, 2013
Mary Jo and family I am so sorry wish it were not true, that young man was a wonderful young man. I am sorry he was called early in his life, but our father had something else planned for him. I pray the pain will get better
Janice Clark
June 25, 2013
Jimmy was one of the most compassionate and geniune people I've ever met. I've said many times how helpful he was to me when I started with the company nine months ago. He always had encouraging words to say whether you were having good selling days or struggling with sales. He will be missed greatly by his co-workers and friends. My prayers are with you all. God bless.
Vickie Bryant (Kingsport, TN)
Vickie Bryant
June 25, 2013
Dear Crystal and the Odham family,
The staff of Coble Ward-Smith wish to express our deepest condolences on the loss of an extraordinary man. It was an honor and privilege to be able to work with a true leader in this profession, who was always there to lend a helping hand. We will be keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Please do not hesitate to call us if we can help you in anyway.
The Staff of Coble Ward-Smith
June 25, 2013
Crystal and Family, our hearts are heavy at the news of Jimmy's passing. There are no words to convey our sympathy. We pray that God will give you the strength and peace that only "God" can give during this time. You have lots of family and friends that love you and will always be here for you.
Robert & Lena Locklear
June 25, 2013
I met Jimmy at Mortuary School at Gupton-Jones where became friends. Ran into him a few times at continuing education classes throughout the years. He was always so nice and we would talk about old times at school and the people we met there. So sorry for your loss. He was a good man and will be missed.
Chris Skoog
June 25, 2013
To the Odham Family,
Please accept my sincere sympathy on the untimely passing of Jimmy.He was a valued member of our team, a tireless worker and a great man.
I hope that the outpouring of sympathy you are receiving is some consolation at this very sad time. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Ady Fisberg
June 25, 2013
Crystal, James Ray, the boys and family,
We have been and will continue to pray for all of you through this. Jimmy was such a good man and someone that I will always look up to. I got to know him a lot better over this past year. It was an honor to work for and with him. We will continue to keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers and all of us at CWS are only a phone call away.
Josh Heidenreich
June 25, 2013
The entire staff here at Linn Honeycutt Funeral Home wish to extend to Crystal, James and the entire Odham family our sincere prayers and condolance. Jimmy was remarkable. Through our 10 years with Keystone and 3 years with SCI Jimmy has truely been a friend to all When we needed help he was there. True friends are our greatest assets and it was a privilage to call Jimmy a friend.
Taylor Cumberworth
June 25, 2013
Crystal - The words have left me. I'm so sorry for your loss. What a great man and how he will be missed. You and the boys are in my thoughts and prayers and we are here for you.
DeLesa and Terry Conway
DeLesa Conway
June 25, 2013
Crystal and family, James Ray and Carolyn. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We only knew Jimmy thru the Elks Club,but, we thought he was a fine person.
Peter and Arlene Champlin
Peter Champlin
June 25, 2013
Over the years I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with James, Jimmy and sweet Crystal with Keystone and SCI. I was so sorry to hear about Jimmy. I will keep your family in my prayers and want you all to know if there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to call. My love to you all and May God surround you with his loving arms in the days ahead.
Robin Fuller
June 25, 2013
Crystal, Mary Jo, Joseph, and all of Jimmy's family please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.
Tom Monschein
June 25, 2013
Jimmy Odham will be missed by everyone that knew him. My condolences to Crystal and the entire Odham family.
Arley Pery
June 25, 2013
I worked with Jimmy a number of times at SCI and he was always a pleasure to speak to, a gentleman at all times, and a man with a heart of gold. He will be missed.
To Crystal and family, I am praying for you and thinking about you in this terrible time of loss.
Pam Rhodes, Houston Market Support Center, SCI
June 25, 2013
So sorry to hear of your loss James. You were one of my students at Trinity U.M. Church Preschool. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Johnette B. Jones
June 25, 2013
CRYSTAL I AM SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF JIMMY. I FEEL LIKE I KNOW YOU AND JIMMY FROM OUR TIMES WE HAVE SPENT ON THE PHONE. I KNOW YOU BOTH HAVE A CHRIST LIKE SPIRIT AND A LOT OF LOVE AND COMPASSION. I THANK GOD YOU WERE ALWAYS THERE FOR ME WHEN I NEEDED YOUR HELP. I PRAY GOD WILL HOLD YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN HIS LOVING ARMS DURING THIS TRYING TIME.
WITH LOVE MARY GOINS (COFFEY FUNERAL HOME) TAZEWELL, TN
MARY GOINS
June 25, 2013
One of the many great things about working at Keystone and FPG was working with Jimmy. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Loretta McLean(Tampa, FL)
June 25, 2013
We are at a loss for words! Just know that we care. Crystal, you and the Odham family will be in our prayers as will Trish & Andy. Buzzy & Pat
Buzzy & Pat Croom
June 25, 2013
It was a privilege for me to know Jimmy as a funeral service colleague. I got to know Jimmy when he and I were district directors with the NCFDA. He was very helpful to me when I joined the board and together he and I developed a great friendship as well respect for one another. My heart goes out to his family.
Robert Nunnaley
June 24, 2013
James my thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family at your time of lost Wayne J Parker
June 24, 2013
Crystal, We are saddened to hear about the loss of Jimmy at such a young age. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Hilda and Gerald Williams-Williams Wholesale Florist
June 24, 2013
Crystal, James Ray and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I am so sorry for your loss. Jimmy was such a nice, polite and caring young man. God Bless and be with you all.
Mary Johnson
June 24, 2013
Godblessyoujimmyandyourfamilyisinourprayers
June 24, 2013
Crystal and boys, our hearts are heavy but please remember GOD will never leave you. jimmy was a great father,husband and friend, we will always miss him. Jean and Syd
June 24, 2013
Our hearts are heavy. Wishing we were there to give a hug and to let you know how deeply sorry we are. We lift up prayers that each of you find comfort and a sense of peace with each passing day. Lean into those rich memories of Jimmy. Overtime,there is a glimpse of joy waiting with each remembrance. Love to you all.
Mark and Merrie Burley
June 24, 2013
We are so saddened to hear of Jimmy's passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers each moment. May God hold you in the palm of his hand during this difficult time.
Dennis & Martha Leoni (New Bern, NC)
June 24, 2013
James Ray and Carolyn: We can not begin to express our grief to you for the loss of this precious son. Sorry we can not see you in person but that is not possible as we are in the mountains now but we will surely pray for all of you during this terrible time. Love to you all, Doris and PeeWee
June 24, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Odham family. Jimmy was a special person and he will be missed by many.
Chris, Heather & Tate Besoiu
June 24, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Your entire family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. May God's grace and peace be with you all during this time of great sorrow.
Adrianne Brunken
June 24, 2013
All of us here at Biggs Funeral Home in Williamston are saddened by the passing of our friend Jimmy We pray for God to keep you right in the palm of his hand and get you through this difficult time. Mayo, Elton, Joe, Ted, Julia, Ed, Toby & Carolyn
June 24, 2013
Crystal & boys: I am so heart broken about Jimmy's death. I so much wanted him to get better and come back to see us here at Biggs. I was devastated when Mayo called me. You must have faith and be strong to get through this and with God's help you can. Crystal you are special to me and have always been a good friend so I have you all in my prayers. You had a great guy for your mate and I know you will miss him so very much. Love to you and your family. Carolyn Mobley Williamston NC
carolyn mobley
June 24, 2013
Mary Jo and family, please accept my sincere condolences. This is so shocking and so very sad. My heart breaks for all of you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Khoury
June 24, 2013
My deepest condolences to the family. Jimmy and I went to Gupton- Jones together, I will always cherish the memories of those days.
Ricky C. Adams (Groce Funeral Home, Asheville, NC)
June 24, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Love and Prayers The Eatmon Family
June 24, 2013
Crystal, Jim Sr. and to all of Jimmy's family,
It was with great sadness that we learned today of Jimmy's passing.We thought so much of you guys for your assistance when we came on with Keystone and enjoyed your visits with us. Our hearts and prayers go out to you at this time.
Steve Blackwell and the staff of
Lambeth-Troxler Funeral & Cremation Service
Steve Blackwell
June 24, 2013
Crystal, James, Matthew and family...we are so deeply sorry for your loss. May God wrap is arms around all of you and may you find comfort and peace through the wonderful memories whichever you will forever feel.
Proverbs 12:28 In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death. Much love to you all - Toni, Robert, Thatcher, Macy and Lily Carr.
June 24, 2013
When I heard about what happened to Jimmy yesterday my heart melted for you and the boys. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family. I am trying to make it up to New Bern and see you all. xoxox
Maria Lalonde
June 24, 2013
Crystal and Family, Sorry to hear about Jimmy, let us know anything we can do. Love and prayers! Darlene and family
Darlene
June 24, 2013
Jimmy was a very nice, congenial and helpful person to me and to our firm. We always looked forward to seeing him because he was such a positive and
pleasant man.
We will miss him but are grateful for the opportunity to have known him if only for a short while.
We will keep the family in our thoughts and prayers.
The staff of Coffey Funeral Home
June 24, 2013
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers Jimmy was a great person to know. May God give you comfort in this difficult time.
Mike Hughes (Hickory Funeral Home, Hickory NC)
Mike Hughes
June 24, 2013
I am so sorry! This is a terrible loss for all! He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys!!!
Karla Wright
June 24, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Jimmy's family. He was truly an amazing person and would go out of his way to help anyone at any time. Even though we lost touch sometime after high school, I have never forgotten what a sweet, gentle and kind-hearted person Jimmy was. He will TRULY be missed by many.
Marci Blades Wilson
June 24, 2013
To Crystal and the boys and the entire Odham family.Losing someone is never easy and losing Jimmy my Market Manager is not easy for me or any of us.He was an AWESOME person who always had encouraging words for me.I offer my deepest heartfelt condolences to the family.My prayer is that God will give you His comforting angels and a peace in this difficult time in your life.
Victoria Perkins
June 24, 2013
CRYSTAL AND BOYS.MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU.YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU.
TRACY POWERS BECKER
June 24, 2013
So sorry for your great loss and you and family will be in my prayers.
Joseph Edwards
June 24, 2013
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Jimmy. My deepest condelences go out to his father James and his entire family. I enjoyed knowing and working with him during our Keystone years together. I'll be keeping you all in my prayers.
Paul Neville
June 24, 2013
So sorry to hear the tragic news. Our prayers go with the entire family through this most difficult time. Neal & Andrea Cox
June 24, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Buster, Darlene & Brian Lewis
June 24, 2013
eI was so sorry to ready the news about Jimmy on the NCFDA memoriam this morning. I met Jimmy years ago and would see him at continuing ed over the years and always enjoyed talking with him.
Dan Blaylock
June 24, 2013
To the Odham family,
Sorry to hear of Jimmy's death. Know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in knowing God makes no mistakes and he will take care of you during this difficult time.
David H. Twiford
Twiford Funeral Home
Elizabeth City, NC
David Twiford
June 24, 2013
Jimmy is a good man.
Gary and Maryanne Lingman
June 24, 2013
Mary Jo and Family, please know that all of you will be in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you during this time of sorrow as only He can do.
Steve & Diane Ipock
June 24, 2013
We were so sorry to hear about Jimmy's passing. He was a wonderful leader and will be greatly missed by all. We will be praying for the family and hope that they receive a measure of peace. God Bless.
Kenneth Sherrie
June 24, 2013
So sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Marsha McRary
June 24, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Travis Hunt
June 24, 2013
What a shock to learn of Jimmy's passing. My deepest sympathies to the Odham family. You will be in my prayers.
Doug Loftis
June 24, 2013
Jimmy was a true inspiration and genuine human being. He was a true leader and mentor and wanted the best for everyone. He will be missed by many. My heart and prayers go out to Crystal and the boys and entire Odham family.
Dearle Marrs
June 24, 2013
The Myers family is very sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. We all thought a lot of him. Many thoughts to Crystal and your family.
Brad Myers
June 24, 2013
Crystal, Mr. Odham and Jimmy's entire family... Please know that Jimmy and your entire family will be in mine and my wife's prayers. We met and spent time with Jimmy in NC when I considered a transfer in 2010. Jimmy was a "Class Act" and a very committed Professional in every way. May God Bless You All!
Mike Pomante
June 24, 2013
Jimmy was always a pleasure to be around. I only met him a couple of times at meetings but I could tell he was a very amazing person and he will be missed. Randy Backstrom, Northwest Arkansas
Randy Backstrom
June 24, 2013
What a great colleague and friend Jimmy was. He will be missed. We are praying for all of his family. May God wrap His arms of love around you.
Rodney Mattox
June 24, 2013
Dear Crystal and Boys,
It is with a heavy heart that I have go say goodby to a dear friend and co-worker. Jimmy was always a great encouragment to me and made me feel like everything was going to be allright no matter how tough things got. Thank God there is a better place to go to than this life and I look forward to seeing Jimmy again on the other side.
Terry Bailey
Kiser Rose Hill FH
Terry Baileyu
June 24, 2013
Shocked and saddened by this news. My prayers go out for Jimmy's family in hope that God's healing hand will give them some comfort thru these difficult days. For me, Jimmy was a business associate that everyone just "clicked" with. Someone that had the unique ability to not only handle the job, but that it was so easy to respect and bond with on other levels. From the very first time we spoke, I felt I had made a friend, drawn to him by his charm, passion for the industry, and wonderful personality. Jimmy will truly be missed my all that knew him.
Larry Newsom
June 24, 2013
We are so very sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. You are in our hearts and prayers.
Al and Wendy Banks
June 24, 2013
Jimmy was such a warm and kind man. I am glad to have known him as my colleague and friend. He will be greatly missed. I will continue to keep the family in my prayers.
Jennifer Sands
June 24, 2013
Jimmy and I served on the NCFDA board together years ago. I considered him a great friend and we always shared ideas and laughs...
Kent Dorsey and Staff of Washburn & Dorsey
Bostic, NC
Kent Dorsey
June 24, 2013
Crystal and family, my heartfelt sorrow and deepest sympathy. Jimmy was one of most kind persons I have ever had the privilege of working with. May God grant you comfort, strength and courage through this great loss.
Barbara Donato
June 24, 2013
Crystal, Words cannot say what I would like to say. Our deepest sympathy goes to you and your family. " A dear friend has gone but his memories will last forever."
Edward Casper
June 24, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
Debbie & George Cutler
June 24, 2013
Crysal words can't not express the sadness I feel for you and your sons. I pray God helps you to find peace and comfort in your time of loss.
Jennifer Jones Cuthrell
June 24, 2013
Jimmy called me 3 years ago and wanted to meet me for a job opening he had in Wilmington, NC. When I met him, he was very interested in everything we talked about. I am grateful that he offered me the position and that I had the chance to work with him before transferring to Lenoir, NC. My prayers are with the family. I know he will be greatly missed by all especially by his SCI family.
Max Hayes
June 24, 2013
My heart is saddened by your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you. I know that Jimmy was well loved and respected. He had great character and a big heart. He will be missed by all.
Andrea Herring
June 24, 2013
Crystal, my heart is broken for you and the boys. I wish I could find the right words that would help ease your pain. Please know that you are much loved and so are James and Matthew. I am here for you if you need anything at all. Sandy, Thatcher and Macy
June 24, 2013
Crystal, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Vanessa Boyles-Sapp
June 24, 2013
James Ray, I am so sorry to hear about Jimmy. I pray that God comforts you and your family during this time.
Chip Dickinson
June 24, 2013
Crystal, I am so very sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. My prayers are with you and your family. May Gods love and your great memories help ease your pain.
Elizabeth Powers
June 24, 2013
Crystal and Family, My heart is so heavy at the news of Jimmy's passing. Words cannot adequately convey the sympathy I have for you all. In my conversations with Jimmy, I know he loved you all SO very much! I grieve with you and pray that God would in some way provide you with His "peace that surpasses understanding!" I already miss Jimmy as he was a true friend. I love you all! Witg sincerest of regards,
Jay Gaskins
June 24, 2013
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