Jim Odenkirk attended The Ohio State University, earning his BS and MA in education, and his Ed. D from Columbia University. He continued pursuing degrees in American history, receiving his Master's degree from Arizona State University and Ph. D from Northern Arizona State.

He began his teaching career teaching and coaching in his native state of Ohio. Throughout his career, Jim taught at Colleges in the Midwest, Idaho, and finally Arizona State University where he had an illustrious 35-year tenure that included Chair of the Physical Education Department.  

He belonged to and received multiple awards from numerous professional education, history, and sports organizations.  Jim also pursued his intellectual interest as an author writing three books, Plain Dealing, A Biography of Cordon Cobbledick; Frank J. Lausche, Ohio's Great Political Maverick; and Of Tribes and Tribulations, The Early Decades of the Cleveland Indians

.Always a passionate sports fan from an early age, Jim loved baseball and naturally gravitated to the Cleveland Indians (now known as the Guardians), his mother's baseball team, and later The Ohio State Buckeyes football.  He remained physically active officiating high school and college basketball games, running marathons and 10Ks.  But perhaps his greatest interest was golf which he played as recently as May of this year.  He ceaselessly tried to improve his game even if that meant repeatedly buying new clubsAs the saying goes,  Jim knew no stranger. He loved people, young and old. His aim was to brighten someone's day with a smile, a brief conversation, or witticism. In doing so, gave him immense gratificationJ

im is survived by his two sons, his beloved wife, Benita and her three children. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, a great grandchild, brother-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his father, Russell, and mother, Elizabeth Kaler Odenkirk, and a sister.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 28, 2024, at 11:00am at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 E Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85297. 

Reception to follow the Celebration of LifeIn lieu of flowers, please donate to a favorite charity in Jim's name.