James Benette Odom, born April 18, 1926, in Escambia County, to Jerry Miah and Mary Isabell (Barnett) Odom, went home to be with Jesus on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, at William F. Green Veterans Home in Bay Minette, where he was a resident since 2003.

Mr. Odom was a World War II veteran. He served in the U.S. Army 8th Armored Division. He was awarded a Purple Heart, WWII Victory Medal, and two Eastern European Campaign Medals with a bronze star. In 2011, he was awarded The Alabama Legislature Medal of Honor.

People may remember him from his time working on the Jack Jones Chicken Farm. He also worked at Standard Furniture in Bay Minette for 10 years, prior to working for Hooper Matthews Estate as a caretaker before retiring in 2001.

In August 1986, Mr. Odom became an ordained deacon at Poarch Baptist Church. In 1987, he became an ordained minister where he filled in at different churches. Mr. Odom continued to share God’s word up until 2004; he was even seen with his Bible in hand at the Veterans Home preaching to other residents.

Mr. Odom was preceded in death by his parents, 14 brothers and sisters, two sons-in-law, one grandson, two great-granddaughters, and one son, Joseph Wayne Odom.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carolyn Jeanette Odom; eight sons, Claude (Becky) Odom, Eddie (Faye) Odom, Tommy (Voncile) Odom, Jackey (Shelia) Odom, Johnny (Sandra) Odom, Donald (Charlene) Odom, Arthur Odom and Jerry (Tangie) Odom; six daughters, Gayle Johnson, Carolyn (Gary) Posey, Isabell Odom, Joyce (Debbie) Odom-Fisher, Jennifer “Jenny” Hutto and Linda Odom; 33 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013, at 2 p.m. at Healing Waters Church with Reverend Richard Daniels, Reverend Tony Richburg and Joshua Odom officiating. Burial will follow at Pine View Cemetery in Flomaton.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Norris Funeral Home, 402 E. 2nd St., in Bay Minette.

Norris Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements