ROGERS — Mr. James R. Oden,

age 94, of Rogers, Ark., passed away Sunday, November 21, 2021, at his home in Rogers. He was born July 18, 1927, in Hammon, Oklahoma, to O.E. and Myrtle Doak Britt Oden.

James proudly served his country in World War II, Korea, and two tours in Vietnam as a artillery man and helicopter pilot from October 1945 until his retirement in 1973, for a total of 28 years. During his service he spent a total of ten years overseas duty and attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer and first Lt. in the Army reserve. He was a warded a distinguished flying Cross (DFC), two Bronze Star Medals, Purple Heart ( Korea), Korean Service Medal with five battle stars, Vietnam service medal with seven stars, 22 air medals, one for valor and other decorations, upon retirement in 1973 he left as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 and army aviator with over 7,000 hours of accident free flight hours in both helicopter and lived winged aircraft.

During retirement he flew for a forestry company for over ten years throughout the United States and Canada.

James married the prettiest girl in California on September 24, 1951, in Malvern, Arkansas. He and Raylene spent the 22 years traveling to different assignments in Alabama, Fort Benning Georgia, Verona Italy, California and finally in Arkansas. By this time his family had grown. James was a life time member of the Helicopter Pilots also, 60 year member of the masonic Lodge, a 32nd degree, Scottish Rite Member and 25th Inf. Division. A life member of the Order of the Purple Heart, a life member of the VFW, a member of MOOA, past President of Sojourners Chapter 70 and a member of the Military Hall of Fame.

He believed that will and persistence are the ingredients for success in every undertaking that he encountered from pulling cotton for one cent a pound and setting bowling pins for six cents a hour.

Mr. Oden was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Rae Oden ,one brother, two sisters and one grandson.

Mr. Oden is survived by his son, Larry Oden of Okla., daughters, Michele Abernathy of Jonesboro, Ark., and Nancy Belknap of Rogers, Arkansas, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Graveside service will be held 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at Fay---

etteville National Cemetery with Military Honors.

Arrangements by Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home, Rogers, Arkansas. Online guestbook: www.bentoncountymemorialpark.com