“Rev” James Darrell Odom, Jr., 83, of Groves, Texas passed away Friday, June 28, 2019 at the Medical Center of Southeast Texas in Port Arthur.

James was born on October 19, 1935 in Noble, Louisiana. He married his high school sweetheart Nancy Shultz on February 29, 1955. They were married 65 years and he dedicated his entire life to God, his family, work and ministry.

James was a good man, he was a provider, caretaker, husband, father  and the family “mortician” for all of his girl’s pets.

He was a loyal friend to all who knew him.

James loved fishing, hunting, golfing and traveling the states with Nancy in their motorhome upon retirement. He also enjoyed his part time job driving limousines. Everyone who met him loved him and was drawn to his infectious smile and personality.

His real passion however, was studying the word of God and his prison ministry. He will forever be remembered as “Rev.”

Survivors include his wife, Nancy Odom of Groves; daughters, Pam Essex and husband Bud of Checotah, OK, Becky Strickland of Cleveland, and Terri Martin and husband Rick of Lufkin; sister, Patsy Goudeau of Groves; brothers, Joe Odom and wife Ruth of Nederland, and Max Odom and wife Phyllis of Groves; grandchildren, Amber McGee, Bryan Essex, Tiffany Cole, Shanna Weeks, Derick Martin, Daniel Martin, and thirteen great-grandchildren.

A visitation for family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m., Friday, July 5, 2019 at Abundant Life Sanctuary, 2301 W. Parkway, Groves, Texas followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Rick Martin officiating.

Burial will be at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches.

Friends wishing to make memorial contributions may send them to Prison Ministry: Kairos of Texas/Stiles, P. O. Box 1341, Nederland, TX 77627.