James Odell Brown of Richmond, went to be with the Lord Jan. 25, 2015 at 97.

He was born in Coke, Va., the first of 11 children.

Odell is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Mildred Brown; two sons, Wray (Susan) and Lloyd (Virginia); five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sister, Barbara Toney; brothers, Thomas Ed, Jack and David Brown.

He was preceded in death by his son, James O. Brown Jr.; parents, Otis and Elizabeth Oliver Brown; sisters, Elizabeth Ellis, Lucille Eastwood and Maxine Newton; brothers, Kenny (Tiny), Raymond and Rudy.

Mr. Brown was a World War II Army veteran and later became a Merchant Marine. He retired from the Dept. of Corrections after 30 years.

Odell was laid to rest at Providence Cemetery Jan. 28 with military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to www.woundedwarriorproject.org.