It is with deep sorrow but by the grace of God, James Frederick Odegard passed away peacefully while working at his desk on Saturday August 26th 2017 at the age of 83.
He was born at Providence Hospital on October 6th 1933 to Georgia and James F. Odegard who lived in the "Tangle-Town" district of North Seattle near Green lake.
He is survived by his 2 sons; Kevin (Everett WA) and Randy (Kent WA). Also Andrew Sherack and Kari Erickson by his marriage to Asti Odegard who pre-deceased him.
Dad is also survived by his 3 granddaughters Kirsten, Megan and Carlyn, all of Everett and 4 great grandchildren, all of whom he adored.
Dad, ("Jimmy, Jim, James, Ode, Grandpa O, Big papa, Great grandpa" ) as he was known, attended Lincoln High School in Seattle where he met Marsha Haworth who became his first wife and mother of Kevin (Little-Papa) and Randy. Marsha pre-deceased Dad in 1967. They resided in the Ravenna and Maple Leaf districts of Seattle close to where he worked.
"Ode" worked over 30 years at Seattle City Light in the overhead line crews where he developed many lifelong relationships with many hard working, fun loving exceptional people. Always ready for both hard work and a good time, when not working, they were willing to work in dangerous and inclimate conditions so that the rest of us could have lights and heat in our homes when it was dark and more than miserable outside.
Dad loved to travel, in retirement he and Austi made trips to Mexico, Tahiti, China, Vietnam and Norway in addition to throughout the United States.
A lifelong Husky athletics fan he loved nothing more than going to, watching or listening to the games; Women's basketball, volleyball, softball and particularly men's Football. His Football season tickets continue thru this and many seasons to come. He had a nasty scar on the inside of his left bicep from climbing a fence to get into a football game when he was young.
Always preferring to use the back door, his brief residence at Brookdale Retirement center in Mill Creek found him somehow obtaining a copy of the back door key so he could come and go at his leisure without signing in and out at the front desk like he was supposed to. It really was a matter of convenience. I was always taught to follow the rules, "do as I say not as I do" he would say. Now I know where I get it…
By example Dad taught us the virtues of Love, Devotion, Patience (though sometimes it didn't seem like it), Compassion, Self-reliance and Determination. A great conversationalist, he love to talk on the phone. We spoke nearly every day of my life, something for which I am now eternally grateful.
Needless to say, he will be greatly missed by many.
"Don't forget" Dad, we love you.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home.
6 Entries
September 27, 2017
Sam Haworth
I am Jim's first wife's first cousin once removed. My name is Sam Haworth and I met Jim once only when I was about 11 or 12 years old. I have a vivid memory of an extremely vital man with the most firm, assertive handshake I had experienced. He had a huge smile and a genuine kindness that I could feel. I missed connecting with him by days when I spoke with his eldest son about a week and a half ago. I am saddened by his passing. --submitted September 26, 2017
September 7, 2017
Christopher Stearns
Jim was the greatest guy, anyone would tell you that...
He was a guide, a friend, a source of laughter and love always. Jim had a sense of fairness and compassion toward everyone, which has made me more confident in my own struggles in life.
Jim was dad Ralph's best buddy, my mother Pauline's most trusted friend, and for us Stearns kids, our "Uncle Jim" was the one who always made things seem alright, especially in tighter times.
He was there for me, always, and for all of us... Thinking of the great many whose lives he touched with his strong, wonderful spirit. Love to All,
Christopher Stearns
September 6, 2017
Rondi Walker
My deepest sympathy over the loss of your father and uncle. Uncle Jim will always live on in our memory. I believe one of the best memories, are the frequent visits Uncle Jim took with my children to "Dick's Burgers!"
He was a fabulous uncle to me, and am pleased he and my Aunt Astrid had a long and wonderful marriage.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during the coming months.
Sincerely,
Rondi Walker,
Alek, Nikolai, and Kathleen Barkats
September 6, 2017
Family
Rondi Walker
September 6, 2017
Rondi Walker
August 31, 2017
My sincere condolences to all the friends and family. During these times of distress is especially more necessary to pour out your heart to God in prayer because he cares for you. He promises that all who do so will have their thoughts and feelings soothed by the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. Phillipians 4: 6,7
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