James Odegard

James "Jim" Odegard passed away at his home on Thursday, February 6, 2025.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be planned for later this spring in Montevideo.

Jim was born and raised in Montevideo, MN, and was the son of Mavis and John Odegard and brother to Karen. Jim graduated from Montevideo Senior High in 1980. He attended Southwest State University and later received a certification in Graphic Design from Brown Institute in Minneapolis. A passionate heavy metal musician, he was a key figure in the Minneapolis heavy metal/thrash metal music scene during the 1980s and 90s. In 1986, Jim became lead vocalist for the original, Minneapolis based band Disturbed with Earl Root, Gregg Bleaker, Mike Nelson, and Nick Miller. Later, he formed the band God Awful with his bandmate and good friend Earl. His love for music was constant throughout his life and he and Earl were hugely influential in promoting other bands in the Minneapolis metal scene. Favorite bands and musicians are too many to count but the top of Jim’s favorites list would include Rush, Led Zeppelin and Iron Maiden, having attended 39 Iron Maiden concerts in his lifetime. 

Jim loved fishing, playing frisbee golf and attending music concerts and festivals. He enjoyed watching old horror movies and Minnesota sports teams, and attended Wild, Twins and Timberwolves games when he could. He was a big fan of the night sky and loved when the Northern Lights made their appearance. He will be remembered for his quick wit and off-beat sense of humor. At the time of his death, Jim had been employed by Prairies Edge Casino in Granite Falls, MN.

Jim is survived by his sister, Karen Odegard Dulak (Joe Dulak); his nephew, Josh Dulak (Liz Rivera); his niece, Kate (Blake Dorman); and his girlfriend, Dawn Ritter. He was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his great-niece in March. He is also survived by aunts and uncles: Wayne Rentz (Sharon Rentz) Lola Rentz, Elaine Rentz, Djuna Odegard (Robert Frazier), and Bonnie Chase, along with many cousins and his beloved cat Mike. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mavis Odegard.

Jim will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. As Jim often said when someone departed this world, “I’ll see you in Valhalla.”