Posted: February 19, 2008
Editor’s note: This story about the death of Local 1245 member James O’Dell appeared in the Redding Record Searchlight on Feb. 14.
James O’Dell, 53 passed away at his home, Friday,
February 8th, 2008 surrounded by his loving family.
James was born March 27, 1954 in Camp Hanford, Washington to Dwain and Juanita
O’Dell. In 1955 James and family moved to Ellisinore and lived there for 9
years. 1964 moved to Poplar Bluff, MO and James graduated High School in 1972.
He then entered 3 Rivers Community College for one year, moved to Colorado the
following year and worked for the Railroad out of Grand Junction and Lynnewood
Canyon for 2 years. He then moved to Cottonwood in 1976 and eventually went to work
for PG & E starting as a Helper and leaving as a Technical Sub Foreman A.
James then went to work for Western Power a Division of Power administration “WAPA”
a division of the Federal Department of Energy “DOE” as a “Meter Relay Mechanic”
and ended his career as a “Communications and Instrumentation Foreman 2”.
James will be remembered for his strong connection with his family and the
loved ones he cared for. He loved to play with his little grandson Trent “his
little buddy”.
James was preceded in death by his father Dwain O’Dell and brother Johnny O’Dell.
James is survived by his loving wife, Jonell O’Dell of 13 wonderful years. His
mother Juanita O’Dell of (Ellisinore, MO), his three sons, James O’Dell Jr. of
(Klamath Falls, OR), Jordan Crow (Modesto, CA), John Crow (Cottonwood) a
daughter Jacquelyn Crow (Redding), grandsons; Trent Crow (Red Bluff) Alex Crow
(Modesto, CA) and the rest of his extended family. And his loyal companion “Harvey”
his dog.