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Jim Odum Obituary

Jim Odum, 67, of Winston-Salem, N.C., passed away at home on Tuesday, December 9, 2008. Jim was born January 13, 1941 in Glade Spring, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his mother, Glenna Goff Odum Wilkinson and stepfather, Samuel W. Wilkinson. Jim honorably served the country as a United States Marine. He was a policeman with the Santa Anna, Calif. Police Department as well as the Virginia State Police. After twenty-five years of service as a pilot with Piedmont Airlines and USAir, he retired as a Boeing 767 Captain and began a successful business career with Hunt and Associates of Abingdon, Virginia. Jim is survived by his wife of 42 years, Rita; their son, Sam Odum and wife, Jessica; daughter, Sarah Odum Garner and husband, Santford Garner; their three granddaughters, Mary Grace Odum, Olivia Roberts Garner and Isabella McAdams Garner. Also surviving is a brother, Steve Wilkinson and his wife, Terry; a sister, Susan W. Wolfe and her husband, Dan. In addition, he was blessed with many special nieces, nephews and cousins. A celebration of Jim's life will be held at Salem Funeral Home on Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends directly following the service. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC 27157 or online at www.childressinstituteforpediatrictrauma.org. Online condolencesmay be made through www.salemfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times from Dec. 11 to Dec. 12, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Jim Odum

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Sandy Shore

December 21, 2008

When I was a young flight instructor Jim had lots of advice. I thought what does this guy know? Well Captain you were right! I have thought of Jim often over the years and told storys of him. He will be missed.

JERRY BORCHIN

December 21, 2008

I AM SORRY TO HEAR OF JIM'S PASSING. WE HAD MANY FUN DAYS AT TWIN LAKES THAT I STILL REMEMBER TO THIS DAY.
HE WILL BE MISSED.
SINCERELY,
JERRY BORCHIN
BRANIFF/PIEDMONT

Diane Lackey

December 17, 2008

Rita, you are in my thoughts and prayers, especially during this holiday season. My heart goes out to you.

Bruce Robbins

December 16, 2008

As I was thinking about Jim and my memories, I can still see him as our LEC Chairman with a coffee in one hand and a cigarette in the other pacing around the room. There was no retreat in Jim. I would like to add my name to the long list who admired and respected JIM ODUM. He will be missed.

Mike George

December 13, 2008

Jim Odum was gruff and tough...a wonderful man and a great pilot. I flew a month with him back in 1983 or so...it was winter ...and a lot of things happened fast on a 727 in a short time...I learned a lot.
He always knew the value of humor and he took time to include the whole crew in everything.
I appreciated his relaxed manner and careful instruction...thank you, Jim!

Marcle Naylor

December 12, 2008

Dear Rita,

Jack and I are saddened to learn
about your loss. Jim was such a
very special person.

Be assured of our thoughts and
prayers for you and all of your
family. We will continue to
remember you in many days
to come.

Love, Jack & Marcle Naylor

Buddy Bowen

December 12, 2008

Capt.Jim Odum was a pleasure to fly with,not only as a new flight engineer,but as a new f'/o on the 727.he taught all of us how to be a good Piedmont Pilot.i/we will miss him a bunch.and i am glad to say,he was a real friend of mine.

Pam Horton

December 12, 2008

Capt. Jim was one of the nicest and most level headed people. It made him such a pleasure to fly with. Now, another one of Piedmont's good guys has flown West and I wish him tailwinds and a severe clear all the way.

My deepest sympathy and condolences to his family.

Tommy Cook

December 12, 2008

One of the nicest guys and one of the best Captains I ever wrote a release for. My sympathy to all Jim's family.

Ronnie Shreve

December 12, 2008

Having the honor of managing the pilots system scheduling office in Greensboro with Piedmont and working in the environment of so many wonderful pilots for some 18 years before the merger, I am proud to testify on behalf of Jim Odum, one of the most decent and level headed pilots I have ever been associated with and someone who was an extremely good friend of mine. As we were rewarded in this lifetime, heaven has received a blessing today. God bless the life of Jim Odum for making it a better place for everyone else he came in contact with. He will be missed by all who celebrated his life.

Schuyler "Sky" Day

December 12, 2008

We are certainly saddened by the passing of Capt. Odum. He was one of Piedmont's finest.

Piedmont Silver Eagles

December 11, 2008

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.

Johnny Jones

December 11, 2008

Well...we've lost another one of Piedmont's GOOD GUYS!!! I'm proud to have known you Jim ! Condolences to your dear family!!

Allen & Rae Vandiver

December 11, 2008

Sam,
We were so sorry to hear about you father. You and your family will be in our prayers during the difficult times ahead. May God use the hugs and memories shared by friends and family to bring you comfort.
Love

William Morgan

December 11, 2008

Another one of Piedmont's finest has flown West. Have a smooth flight Jim.

MAXIE (SLACK) BRIEN

December 11, 2008

TO THE ODUM FAMILY...I REALLY LOVED FLYING WITH JIM! HE WAS ONE OF THE VERY GOOD GUYS. I'M FROM BRISTOL,TOO AND WE USED TO PLAY "WHO DO YOU KNOW" ALL THE TIME. MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY. HE WILL BE MISSED!

Mary Greene

December 11, 2008

Rita,
You and your family are in my prayers. Jim was one of my favorite members of PACU. We use to have a lot of fun. God bless.

Mary Greene

Kimberly Bailey RN

December 11, 2008

We dearly miss Mr. O. He was a wonderful person with alot of sly humor. Praying for you and your family.

Casey Powers Sloan

December 11, 2008

Sam,

I'm so so sorry to hear the news. I'm thinking of you, Sarah and your whole family. I know you'll hold tight to eachother. I wish you peace as you face the days ahead...God walks with...

Much Love and Many Prayers,
Casey

Grace Justice

December 11, 2008

With the deepest admiration and respect on behalf of all America for your dedication, sacrifice, and service in preserving the freedoms and dignity of our country.

Brad & Janet Ball

December 11, 2008

Sam & Sarah,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Please know your mom, both of you, and your extended family are in our family's prayers.
Sincerely,

Donna Johnston

December 11, 2008

So sorry for your loss, I will miss him very much. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.

Teresa Hall (RN)

December 11, 2008

Deeply, deeply sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure getting to know Mr Odum and he will be missed. May peace be with the family.

Don Elseroad

December 11, 2008

In recognition of Jim Odum's Honorable Service in the United States Marine Corps, the Tri-Cities Tennessee, Detachment # 969 of the Marine Corps League would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude for his service to God, Country and Corps as well as our sincere condolences to his family.

SEMPER FIDELIS

SSgt Don Elseroad USMC (Ret)
MCL Detachment #969

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