Gerald I. Odam

Gerald I. Odam, 82, of Burghill, Ohio passed away Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at the

Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center’s

Heroes Harbor hospice, surrounded by family.

Jerry was born on June 9, 1940, in Olney, IL, the son of the late Clarence Odam and Thelma Hughes. He graduated from Red Bluff Union High School in 1958 and married his high school sweetheart Janet (Daugherty) in 1960. He then served in the United States Army, in the U.S. Army Security Agency (ASA).

After leaving the Army he began a career in computer programming and attended DePaul University in Chicago IL. He first taught at a technical school, then worked for several companies as a programmer and manager, and finally headed his own computer consulting firm.

Jerry was a proud family man and enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow up. He had many passions over the years. He began playing the guitar as a teenager and continued throughout his life; he occasionally performed and created several records. He enjoyed bowling, pool, darts, fishing, and boating; for several years, he also coached women’s softball. He enjoyed shooting guns and spent quality time ensuring his children and grandchildren were taught how to properly handle guns. He enjoyed reading and was a regular at the local library; he even wrote his own novel. An active member of the Cortland Moose Lodge since 1984, he assisted in the design and building of the current facility, served several terms as Governor, and was the first member of his lodge to receive a Pilgrim Degree.  Jerry will always be known for his love of family, wit, listening ear, generous heart, and appreciation of a glass of whiskey with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Janet; daughters Trishinda Kent of Deland, Florida, and Trudi (Bill Moran) Brister of Cortland; grandchildren Nichole (Danny) West, Angela (Michael) Culver, Brandon Kent, Joshua (Shawna Metzger) Brister, Laura Kent, and Jacob (Kasey Lomax) Brister; great-grandchildren Abby West, Sam West, Charlotte Culver, Michael Culver III, and Paisleigh Brister; siblings Judy Mendonca, Michael Hughes, Patricia Hughes, and David Hughes; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

There will be a small service for immediate family members. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project.