James Ruskin O'Dell

Newton Grove, NC – James Ruskin O’Dell, 90, of Newton Grove, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday August 22, 2021.  Born September 28, 1930 in Summersville, WV, he was the son of Emory and Ruth O’Dell.

Jim was a 1948 graduate of Northfork, WV High School, attended Concord College and then proudly served his country as a Marine in Korea.  After a career in the dairy business in WV, KY, VA and GA he settled in Dunn, NC and spent many years in the automobile business with many of his WV friends at George Carroll Chevrolet.  After years at Morganite, Inc. and marrying Rebecca Bowden he retired to Newton Grove with Rebecca.   Jim was an avid Mountaineer, Redskin and Cardinal fan and a long-time member of Unity Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and sang in the choir.  Jim was a devoted father, son, husband, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to so many that will always cherish his memory.  He was truly one of the “Greatest Generation”.

Survivors include Rebecca, his loving wife of 39 years; three sons, Michael of Little River, SC, Patrick and wife Sonia of Princeton, WV and Jimmy Bowden and wife Samantha of Coats, NC; daughter Katy Conner of Wake Forest, NC; sisters-in-law Kathy Eldridge and Betty Austin of Newton Grove and brother-in-law Jerry Austin of Newton Grove, NC; 8 grandchildren – Allison, Jessie, Ryan, Taylor, Austin, Brooke, Chris and Jessica and 8 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his five older siblings and son Jeffery Bowden. 

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening August 25 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at West and Dunn Funeral Home, 503 Raleigh St., Newton Grove, NC.  West and Dunn respectfully requires masks to be worn inside their building.  Graveside funeral service will be at Unity Presbyterian Church Thursday morning August 26 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can made to Unity Presbyterian Church, 11551 NC Hwy 50 S, Newton Grove, NC 2836

*** Mask are required for all services ***

Online condolences may be made at: www.westanddunn.com

Services have been entrusted to West & Dunn Funeral Home, Newton Grove, North Carolina.