Jimmy Lee Odom

Jimmy Lee Odom, 87 years of age, and a resident of Wakeman, passed away Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at his home while under the compassionate care of his family.

 

He was born September 18, 1935, in Columbus, Ohio.  Jimmy was raised in Vermilion, graduating from Firelands High School with the class of 1955.  He moved to Wakeman in 1996 where he has resided until his passing.

 

Jimmy had a heart to serve and did so as the Mayor of Vermilion from 1977 to 1979 as well as a councilman for the city of Vermilion from 1972 to 1977.  He proudly served in the United States Army.  Jimmy was employed at Ford Motor Company in Lorain for thirty-six years before retiring from the maintenance department.  He loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing and golfing.  Jimmy was a Ohio State Buckeye Fan and served as a usher, along with his sons during their games for three years.    

 

Survivors include his wife of thirty-seven years, Mary Magdalene Odom (nee: Simmons); his children, Sandi Lee Neiding of Elyria, Paul Joseph Odom (Kara) of Amherst and stepson, Jason Matthew Simmons of Wakeman; his grandchildren, Kristen Neiding, Britney Odom, David Odom, Taylor Palmerton; his sisters, Wanda Chochol of Defiance, Ohio and Barbara Phillips of Toledo.

 

He was preceded in death by his son, David Allen Odom in 2018; his brothers, John and David; and parents, Jesse and Theresa Odom (nee: Rybarczyk).

 

Friends may call Monday, October 3, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 p.m.  at the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave, Amherst.   Rebroadcasting of services will be available at www.hempelfuneralhome.com .  Burial will follow at Brownhelm Cemetery, Vermilion.

 

For those unable to attend please visit the funeral home's website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www.hempelfuneralhome.com.