It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Jimmy D Odom Sr, of Seadrift, Tx, who peacefully left us on January 21, 2025, at the age of 75. Jimmy was a devoted husband, a cherished father, an adored and proud grandfather and great grandfather. He was also a proud Veteran, serving our country during Vietnam as a Lance Corporal in the US Marine Corp.

Born on April 30, 1949, in Breckenridge, TX, he was the son of Bernard L and Luella Mae Odom. He spent his life surrounded by family, friends, and a community that loved him. A dedicated Water Well Driller and business owner in the Bastrop area, he was known for his hard work, integrity, and sense of humor.

Jimmy is survived by his loving wife, Linda Odom; children, Kristi Odom, Jimmy Odom Jr and wife Laura, and David Odom and wife Morgan; grandchildren, Kayla Bartsch Voigt and husband Zach, Cheyenne Odom, Presley Bartsch, Kristen Odom, Jackson Workman, Hayden Odom, Lauren King and husband Stuart, Kenzie Odom, Kambrie Odom, Evan Odom, Johnny Osborn, Chucky Bradley and great grandfather to Atlas King, Jett Thomas, Wayne Workman and Silas King, He is also survived by one brother, Vernon {Buddy) Odom.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Louella Mae Odom; his brothers, Daniel Leon and Tommy Derrell; his sister, Patricia Annette; and grandson, Jimmy Odom III (Lil Bubba).

Throughout his life, Jimmy enjoyed fishing, camping, trips to the casino and tinkering around in his shop.

His sense of humor and generosity touched everyone he met, especially his grandchildren. He was a guiding light to his family and friends, always offering wisdom, support, and love.

A memorial service and burial will be held later, at Fort Cavazos in Killeen with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wounded Warrior’s Project in Jimmy Odom’s memory.

Although we are heartbroken by his passing, we take comfort in knowing that his love and memories will forever live on in our hearts.

Rest in peace, Pops. You will be deeply missed.

The Port O’Connor Community Garden has had some unexpected visitors! Deer certainly appreciate a well-tended garden, especially in the colder months when food is scarce. New strategies have been put in place to protect the plants and shut down the “deer buffet.”

Gardeners have received much communication regarding cold-weather protection tips for plants during freezing weather, such as hydrating plants before a freeze and using mulch. Gardeners are staying well-informed and proactive in protecting their plants from the cold and animals.

On January 23rd, gardeners met at the Library Multi-purpose room to discuss and learn about “Seed Starting.” January is the month to start our warm season gardens. Gardeners plan a club of “Seed Starters” within the group. Together, we’ll learn as we GROW! This exciting initiative will be a wonderful way for gardeners to share knowledge, troubleshoot challenges, and enjoy the process as a community.   During the meeting, we learned that starting from seeds allows you to grow a wider variety of plants, including many that are not available as transplants from local nurseries. We watched President Val Tiemann present a hands-on seed starting demonstration with the actual supplies needed. Watching a demonstration was especially helpful and made the experience very engaging.  We also learned about the minimal space, time and costs involved. Many attendees found the meeting to be a valuable learning experience, gaining insights on how to prevent issues and achieve successful seed starting.

This story is fictional, but based on scripture found in 1 Samuel 2:30; 1 Kings 10:21; 2 Chronicles 2:16; 2 Chronicles 8:7-10; and 2 Chronicles 9:21-22, 27

The sun was shining and there was a fresh breeze coming off the Jaffa Sea. What a beautiful day, thought Ephraim. He stood basking in the sunshine, thanking his Elohim. While around him, was the usual commotion that sailors made when unloading the king’s cargo. Ephraim stood on the deck of one of King Solomon’s vessels. It was sleek with powerful sails. Its deck and quarters were immaculate. The exterior of the ship was made strong to withstand the rough waters of the ocean. Nothing but the best for the king. Every three years, the king’s merchant ships would bring back strange treasures from far countries. Some of these valuables included gold, ivory, and monkeys. Yes, monkeys. They were funny little creatures, Ephraim thought, and he remembered back to the first time he had seen a monkey. He had thought how weird they looked and the strange behavior they made by jumping up and down while making an excited chattering noise. However, over time, Ephraim came to enjoy their company, and he now thought that they were cute little things. The king had appointed Ephraim as the royal caretaker in charge of the monkeys. They liked to talk a lot, though. If Ephraim wasn’t so used to them by now, they would drive him batty like they once did. Today, Ephraim was in the middle of overseeing the unloading of a new batch of monkeys that the king’s merchant ships had just imported. Yes, thought Ephraim, they had won him over. They had become his companions over the years and every day they made him laugh with their antics. He supposed that was why King Solomon had decided to keep his kingdom stocked with them. They brought joy to those around them. Ephraim had made this discovery years ago and since then, he determined that no job was too small or insignificant. Thus, he did his job faithfully and with a joyful heart.

Days turned into weeks and weeks into years. However, day in and day out, Ephraim was faithful to feed and care for the monkeys. He never complained that the job felt insignificant because he believed that his job was important if for only one reason. The reason being, that he did his job as unto Elohim. One day, the diligence of Ephraim came to the notice of the king. The king was so impressed that he decided to honor the royal caretaker of the monkeys. Thus, the royal couriers were sent out with a proclamation confirming the king’s desire to honor Ephraim before all Israel for his devoted service. Ephraim looked on with curiosity as he was handed the proclamation. Once he opened it and read it, his eyes began to water. He wasn’t crying because he felt he deserved pomp and circumstance. He was crying because he felt humbled. It was at that moment, he knew he had been tested, found faithful, and Elohim wanted to tell him “good job”. That alone was the best prize he could desire. Years went by and Ephraim became an old man. He could no longer care for the monkeys, but he found something useful he could do. He taught children valuable life lessons in his old age. He taught them a very significant lesson that, no matter how small the job, that “small” job is important. He taught them that in whatever they do, if they honor Elohim, He will honor them. Ephraim’s mind wondered and he thought back to the time King Solomon had chosen to honor him. Although he was grateful to the king for his consideration, Ephraim did not highly esteem the praise of man. However, Elohim used it because it felt like a confirmation to Ephraim of his belief that no job is too small or insignificant if you do it as unto Elohim. Ephraim looked into the face of each student. He bent over and picked up a piece of silver lying on the ground and said,

“You see this shiny like stone, children? This is silver, but it was tossed out and is accounted as nothing. However, even this piece of silver has a job. Its job is to bless our eyes with its beauty. It sparkles and reflects the sunlight when shone upon during the day. So, if the only significant part of your job is to do your best as unto Elohim, you bless His heart. Consequently children, by doing your job joyfully, is enough. Elohim will be greatly pleased with you.”

The End.

The March meeting for Calhoun County Democratic Club will be held Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at the Calhoun County Library, in the community room, 200 W Mahan St., Port Lavaca.

Social/potluck is at 5.30pm and the meeting starts at 6 pm.

Got questions? Concerned about democracy? Come and join us.

You can RSVP for our monthly meetings here:

mobilize.us/calhouncountydemocrats/event/457242/

Port O’ Connor’s “Hooked On Books” Book Club held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 11^th, and exceeded all expectations. February hostesses were Amber Gustainis, Beth Smith, Terry Twomey, and Kim Ballard who outdid themselves in every way. The monthly meeting was as rich as the detailed imagery of the novel.

In keeping with the book club’s practice, the ladies followed the meet and greet with sharing the scrumptious spread of appetizers, desserts, and beverages. Cheerful visiting and munching was held before we delved into the novel. The fifteen participants were served chicken salad, regular salad,  and cucumber sandwiches while laughing and enjoying each other’s company.  The meal was finished off with apple pie! After the feast, guests engaged in book club business and deconstructed the novel.

Many agreed that Barbara Kingsolver’s Prodigal Summer is a beautifully written novel that intertwines the lives of three central characters, each of their stories deeply connected to nature, weaving multiple themes between human life and the wilderness. The author also weaves a deep appreciation for the region’s flora and fauna into the narrative, making the mountains feel like a character in their own right. Kingsolver masterfully explores how humans interact with and depend on their environment, while also diving into the complexities of relationships, traditions, and personal transformations.  Many found Kingsolver’s ability to blend environmental consciousness with human drama very thought-provoking.

All in attendance agreed that it was an engaging and fun-filled afternoon. They thanked their wonderful hostesses for the ingenuity, expert planning, and hard work put into making it all happen. It was definitely an afternoon to remember!

Hooked on Books Club’s next meeting will be on March 11^th and our book is Remarkably Bright Things by Sherry Van Pelt.  If you are interested in joining “Hooked On Books,” please email your contact information to alanehaardt@yahoo.com.  All are welcome!