I. Gordon Odell ’44

Gordy died Aug. 15, 2013, in Aliso Viejo, Calif.

Raised in Winnetka, Ill., he prepared at the Berkshire School, where he was class president. At Princeton he roomed with Al Sheridan, then John Barr. He majored in economics, was a member of Orange Key, and served as Quadrangle Club president.

In 1943 he was a lieutenant serving with the 865th Battalion in Europe. He later became a captain and earned a Bronze Star.

In 1954, Gordy married Jane “Janey” Schaff, the sister of Phil ’42, Chuck ’45, and Dave Schaff ’47, and cousin of ’44 classmate Wally Schaff. He joined the Elgin Watch Co. in Illinois and became vice president of business development. He later moved to California, where he was involved in merging North American Aviation with Rockwell International. In 1981 he created his own financial- and business-consulting company. He and Jim Gamble ’44 were fast friends; both had homes in California and Michigan.

Gordy was a volunteer for the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, Calif., for 25 years and served on Princeton’s committee to nominate trustees.

Gordy is survived by Janey; their children, Toby, Philip, and Bill Odell, Janey Cutting, and Ann Rosenberger; and 11 grandchildren. By far his favorite colors were orange and black.