James William Oddy, 93, of Zephyrhills, Florida, died in a Tampa hospital July 29, 2005.

He was born on September 12, 1911 in Taylorville, Illinois. “Bill,” as he was known as, was graduated from Taylorville High School.

After graduation he qualified for the 1932 Olympics for high board diving. He continued his swimming and diving skills through his life.

In 1935, he married Norma Francis Rapin of St. Ignace, with whom he celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary October 29, 2000, by renewing their wedding vows at sea, surrounded by family and friends.

In 1942, Mr. Oddy enlisted in the United States Navy, where he earned his American Theatre Ribbon, and Asiatic and Pacific Theatre Ribbons. He was honorably discharged in 1945.

In 1947, he enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve with another honorably discharge in 1952. He served at stations in Grosse Ille, Chicago, and Dallas.

Mr. Oddy retired from Mobil Oil Corporation in Trenton in 1976. After retirement, he and his wife wintered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and settled in Dunedin, Florida. They spent home in St. Ignace each summer.

Mr. Oddy was affiliated with and the head of several groups and organizations, including past post commander of Post 1888 in Trenton, president and honorary member of Oil Chemical and Atomic Workers 7-456 in Trenton, arbitrator for the International Mobil Counsel in Denver, Board of Education trustee at Riverview High School, member of American Red Cross and Boy Scouts of America, 1996 inductee of Taylorville High School Football Hall of Fame (for the Class of 1928), and president of the Mobil Home Association in Dunedin, Florida.

He and Mrs. Oddy had two children, George “Bill” Oddy of Belleville, and Mary “Molly” Ridour of Zephyrhills, Florida. Mr. Oddy enjoyed traveling with his young family on many summer vacations, especially favoring the trips to the cottage in Indiana.

In addition to his children, survivors include four grandchildren, Brian Curry, Mark Oddy, Matthew Oddy, and Monica Duda; four great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his wife, Norma Francis Oddy, his parents George and Molly Oddy of Taylorville, Illinois, and two sisters, Lola and Creta.

Cremation has taken place.

A memorial Mass to honor James W. Oddy, of St. Ignace and Zephyr Hills, Florida, will be held Friday, October 7, at 10 a.m. at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church with Father Jim Williams officiating.

A graveside service will follow at St. Ignatius Cemetery, with the U.S. Coast Guard attending.

Dodson Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.