James Oden Obituary

Oden, James Leon was born to Erma Patterson and Leon Oden (deceased) on July 1, 1951 in Chicago, IL. He was the oldest of three children. He attended Betsy Ross Elementary School and Robert Lindblom Technical High School. He received an Associates of Arts Degree from Loop Junior College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Chicago State University. He married Linda J. Horton on June 20, 1970. Together they had two children, Sharon Dolores and Marcus Leon. James was known for always lending a helping hand when needed. Therefore it was no wonder that he embarked on a career in social work where he specialized in assisting people with disabilities. James worked for Acess Living and later for Heartland Alliance. James was also active in his community by volunteering and attending numerous trainings provided by Hazel Crest Police Department. James was an outgoing person. He enjoyed acting, watching Bears football games and fishing. His most proud acting roles were as extras in the movies "The Fugitive", "A Family Thing" and "Losing Isaiah". James' Sunday ritual was to watch Bears football games with his friends at "Big" Chiefs Lounge". He loved fishing so much that one of his final requests was that his ashes be distributed over his favorite fishing hole at Wolf Lake. After a long illness, James made his transition on Tuesday, August 14, 2007. He leaves to cherish his fond memories his wife, Linda J. Oden; his daughter, Sharon Johnson (Mitchell); his son, Marcus Oden; his mother, Erma Godfrey; his sister, Debbie Thompson (Rick); his brother, Robert Oden (Angela); his granddaughter, Gracia Johnson and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends. Services are being held on Thursday, August 23, 2007, at the Newport Building, 4800 S. Chicago Beach Drive, 28th Floor, in Chicago, IL 60615. For additional information call: 773-297-9044.