James Hugh Odom

James Hugh Odom, 84, passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at his home on Lookout Mountain.

Hugh was born in the small town of Gilbertown in Choctaw County, AL on November 9, 1938 to William Eugene and Ollie McIlwain Odom.  Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the US Air Force where he was trained in the Russian language at Syracuse, New York and stationed for several years on a tiny Aleutian Island during the Cold War to listen to Russian radio transmissions.

Hugh worked for many years as a gate agent for Eastern Airlines.  Soon after its demise, he and his wife relocated to Dade County, Georgia, and he went to work as a ranger at the Chickamauga Battlefield, a job and a place that he loved.  He retired from the park after more than 20 years of service.

Hugh was predeceased by his parents, two beloved older sisters, and his daughter, April Taylor.  He is survived by his wife of almost forty years, Joy Tucker Odom, a sister, Jean Newton, of Atlanta, and many nieces and nephews.

A Gathering of Remembrance will be held on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Trenton Chapel of Moore Funeral Home.  Anyone who knew Hugh is welcome to attend.  For those who may not be able to come to this function but wish to remember Hugh in a special way, you are encouraged to donate to your favorite charity in his name.