James Ellis Odenkirk

05/31/1928 - 08/19/2024
Service Date: 09/28/2024
Service Time: 11:00 AM
Service Location: Gilbert Memorial Park Cemetery Funeral Home 2100 E. Queen Creek Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85297
Jim Odenkirk is the greatest example of a life well-lived and well loved. Jim passed away peacefully on August 19, 2024, at the age of 96. His joyfulness and humor touched all who knew him. His bright light will be missed.
On May 31, 1928, Russell and Elizabeth Kaler Odenkirk of Mansfield, Ohio became proud parents of their only son, Jim who would continue to make them proud. He began his education attending school in Springfield Twp School ultimately graduating from Ontario High School.
After his honorable discharge from the Army, Jim attended The Ohio State University, earning his BS and MA in education, and his Ed. D from Columbia University. He continued pursuing degrees in American history, receiving his Master's degree from Arizona State University and Ph. D from Northern Arizona State.
He began his teaching career teaching and coaching in his native state of Ohio. Throughout his career, Jim taught at Colleges in the Midwest, Idaho, and finally Arizona State University where he had an illustrious 35-year tenure that included Chair of the Physical Education Department. He belonged to and received multiple awards from numerous professional education, history, and sports organizations. Jim also pursued his intellectual interest as an author writing three books, Plain Dealing, A Biography of Cordon Cobbledick; Frank J. Lausche, Ohio's Great Political Maverick; and Of Tribes and Tribulations, The Early Decades of the Cleveland Indians.
Always a passionate sports fan from an early age, Jim loved baseball and naturally gravitated to the Cleveland Indians (now known as the Guardians), his mother's baseball team, and later The Ohio State Buckeyes football. He remained physically active officiating high school and college basketball games, running marathons and 10Ks. But perhaps his greatest interest was golf which he played as recently as May of this year. He ceaselessly tried to improve his game even if that meant repeatedly buying new clubs.
As the saying goes, Jim knew no stranger. He loved people, young and old. His aim was to brighten someone's day with a smile, a brief conversation, or witticism. In doing so, gave him immense gratification.
Jim is survived by his two sons, Tom and Jim (Christine) Odenkirk, his beloved wife, Benita and her children Michele Cowger, Stacey (Steve) Noffz, and Rob Cowger. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, a greatgrandchild, brother-in-law Albert Wadley and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Russell, and mother, Elizabeth Kaler Odenkirk, and sister Barbara Wadley.
A Celebration of Life will be held on September 28, 2024, at 11:00am at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 E Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85297. Reception to follow the Celebration of Life.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a favorite charity in Jim's name.