More detail on this person: Mr. James Russell Oden, age 94, of Rogers, Arkansas passed away Sunday, November 21, 2021, at his home in Rogers. He was born July 18, 1927 in Hammon, Oklahoma to O.E. and Myrtle Doak Britt Oden. James proudly served his country in World War II, Korea and two tours in Vietnam as a artillery man and helicopter pilot from October 1945 until his retirement in 1973, for a total of 28 years. During his service he spent a total of 10 years overseas duty and attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer and first Lt in the Army reserve. He was a warded a distinguished flying Cross (DFC), 2 Bronze Star Medals, Purple Heart (Korea), Korean Service Medal with 5 battle stars, Vietnam service medal with 7 stars, 22 air medals, one for valor and other decorations, upon retirement in 1973 he left as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 and army aviator with over 7,000 hour of accident free flight hours in both helicopter and lived winged aircraft. During retirement he flew for a forestry company for over 10 years throughout the United States and Canada. James married the prettiest girl in California on September 24, 1951 in Malvern, Arkansas, he and Raylene spent the 22 years traveling to different assignments in Alabama, Fort Benning Georgia, Verona Italy, California and finally in Arkansas. By this time his family had grown. James was a life time member of the Helicopter Pilots also, 60 year member of the masonic Lodge, a 32nd degree, Scottish Rite Member and 25th Inf. Division. A life member of the Order of the Purple Heart, a life member of the VFW, a member of MOOA, past President of Sojourners Chapter 70 and a member of the Military Hall of Fame. He believed that will and persistence are the ingredients for success in every undertaken that he encountered from pulling cotton for one cent a pound and setting bowling pins for six cents a hour. In Lieu of flowers the family ask to make a memorial donation of a charity of your choice below are some veterans organization that would honor Mr. Oden. Mr. Oden was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Rae Oden, 1 brother, 2 sisters and 1 grandson. Mr. Oden is survived by his son, Larry Oden of OK, daughters, Michele Abernathy of Jonesboro, AR, and Nancy Belknap of Rogers, Arkansas, 6 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Graveside service will be held 1:30pm, Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at Fayetteville National Cemetery with Military Honors. Arrangements by Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home, Rogers, Arkansas.
Burial information: Fayetteville National Cemetery
This information was last updated 06/29/2022
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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