James "Jim" Ronald Oden's Obituary
James "Jim" Oden, age 79, of Exline, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2023 at his home.
Jim was born on April 2, 1943 in Centerville, Iowa, the son of Jack and Juanita (Dooley) Oden. He graduated from Centerville High School with the Class of 1960. Jim was united in marriage to Pamela Kay McQuary, and to this union, four children were born, Jamie, Jodie, Steven Shawn, and Justin.
As a child, Jim was involved in 4-H and the fair. He continued this throughout his adult life with the Exline Ramblers 4-H. Jim saddled many horses in his lifetime, and was known to be the best horse rider in the county, never finding anyone that could ride better than him. He thoroughly enjoyed trading horses and cattle with his brother Richard, and his uncles, Donald and Kendell. He had a strong work ethic and was proud of his kids for working hard as well. He managed Farm and Home for several years, while also running his own farm, and raising Limousin Cattle. In addition, he worked at Iowa Steel & Wire until the age of 75. Jim was a member of the Faith United Methodist Church in Centerville, the President of the Saddle Club, and a member of the Exline City Council.
Jim had a heart of gold. He loved to donate items and give money to people in need. He was extremely fond of being a jokester to his friends and family, but his favorite thing to do was attend his family events, especially his kids and grandchildren's sporting events. He loved his family with everything he had.
Left to honor Jim's memory are his wife, Pam Oden of Exline; his children, Jamie (Jaren) Tubaugh of Centerville, Jodie (Scott) McCoy of Exline, Steven Shawn (Holly) Oden of Exline, and Justin (Emily) Oden of Minnesota; grandchildren, Brennen (Lisa) Tubaugh, Brody (Maddie) Tubaugh, Molly (Andrew) Felton, Austin McCoy, Jordan (Katelyn) McCoy, Trey McCoy, Caleb Jellison, Logan Jellison, Tiger Terpstra, Tye Oden, Whit Oden, Jayda Oden, and Jace Evers; great grandchildren, Bentley Felton, Bowen Tubaugh, Brantley Felton, Isla Tubaugh, Jaren Tubaugh, Teelie Tubaugh, Anna Tubaugh, Emma Tubaugh, Blake Felton, Charlie Tubaugh, Maddox McCoy, Brooks McCoy, Reese McCoy and Grayson Oden; his siblings, Marcia Prather of Russell, Jack (Mary) Oden of Centerville, IA, Paul Oden of Cincinnati, and Cheryl (Jack) McHenry of Cincinnati; his sister in law, Geralyn McQuary of New Orleans, LA; his aunts, Beverly Baldwin of Mystic and Kay (Don) Hanson of Centerville; as well as several extended family members and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Juanita Oden; his brother, Richard Oden; sister in law, Diane Oden; his in laws, Warren and Irma McQuary; three brothers in law, Doug Prather, Tim McQuary and John McQuary as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30AM, Friday, February 10, 2023 at Faith United Methodist Church in Centerville with Pastor Brody Tubaugh, Pastor Holly Oden, and Pastor Christy Ehrle officiating. Burial will follow at Exline Cemetery in Exline. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 9, 2023 at Faith United Methodist Church in Centerville beginning at 3PM, with the family greeting friends from 5-7PM. Memorials may be written to either the Exline Cemetery or to the family, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Oden Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com, or on our funeral home Facebook page.
To view Jim's funeral online on Friday, please visit: https://my.gather.app/remember/james-oden-2023
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