James Norman Omdahl

James Norman Omdahl, 78, of Hanover Township, died Sunday, May 3, 2009 at St. Luke's Hospital and went into the welcoming arms of his Lord. He was the husband of Mary K. Carson Omdahl for 54 years. Born in Pittsburgh, Pa. , the son of Emil and Julia Omdahl, he graduated from Peters Township High School in 1949. Prior to his graduation from Grove City College in 1953 with a B.S. in Commerce, on March 23, 1953 he enlisted in the US. Marine Corps. After graduation from college he was assigned to extended active duty in the Eighth Officers Candidate Course in Quantico, Va. on June 6, 1953. Upon graduation as a 2nd Lt., he was stationed in Quantico, VA, Fort Bliss, TX, Twentynine Palms, CA and San Diego, Ca. On March 18, 1955 he was promoted to 1st Lt. and on August 25, 1955 was honorably discharged from active duty. He then attended the Univ. of Pittsburgh and graduated in 1956 with a Masters Degree from the School of Business. He immediately entered the Loop Course at the Bethlehem Steel Corp. in the Purchasing Department where he advanced to Manager of Raw Materials and Supplies and retired after 36 years of service.

On September 15, 1957, he transferred to Class II Active Reserves and on July 1958 was promoted to Captain. On June 12, 1965 he was assigned to active duty training at the Amphibious Warfare Course 1, Quantico, VA and on July 1, 1965 he was promoted to Major. On January 2, 1966 he was appointed Commanding Officer, Communications Company H&S Bn 4th Force Service Regiment, Force Troops,

FMF USMCR, Freemansburg, Pa. The unit was ordered to active duty training at the Landing Force Training Unit, Little Creek, VA on June 16, 1966. Major Omdahl was transferred to the Retired Reserve list on July 3, 1971.

At Grove City College he was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, a national scholarship and leadership fraternity and President of the Grove City College Outing Club. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem where he served as a Deacon and an Elder, a Chaplain and past Commander of the Bethlehem detachment of the Marine Corps League: a member of the Honorary First Defenders of Allentown where he served as Commander from 2003-2004; a member of the Honorary First Defenders of Bethlehem; he was a member of the VASA Order of America District 6 and served as an auditor and a member of the Executive Board, and a member of the local Viking Lodge #735; Jim was a member of the Sons of Norway; he was a Life Member of the Military Officers Assoc. of America ; an ardent member of the Marine Corps Reserve Assoc.; a Life Member of the American Legion; the VFW; the Devil Dogs; a recipient of the prestigious Legion of Honor Award from "The Chapel of Four Chaplains"; past President of the Skyten Flying Club; he was a member of Masonic H. Stanley Goodwin Lodge #648 F.&A.M. of Pennsylvania: a volunteer for a number of years at Westminster Nursing Home, and a faithful member of a local Bible study group.

Jim enjoyed people from every walk of life and truly "never met a man I didn't like!" His passions were the United States Marine Corps, airplanes, traveling and his beloved family. He is survived by his wife; three sons, Atty. James Carson Omdahl, Matthew Thomas Omdahl and wife Mary Kathryn Roseman all of Bethlehem, Mark Richard Omdahl and wife Linda Briethaupt of Jefferson, MD; a daughter , Deborah Anne Maurer and husband Gary of Allentown; and seven grandchildren, Rita Howard of Allentown, Rachel Omdahl of Bethlehem, Allison, Ryan and Abigail Omdahl of Bethlehem, and Dana and Eric Omdahl of Jefferson, Maryland. His twin brother John Richard Omdahl and wife Tina reside in Livermore, California. He was predeceased by his daughter-in-law Wendy Murphy Omdahl

A Memorial Service will be held 10AM Friday May 8th, 2009 at the First Presbyterian Church 2344 Center St. Bethlehem, Pa. 18017, followed by graveside services at the First Presbyterian Church Memorial Gardens with full military honors. Calling hour from 9-10AM in the church.

In lieu of flowers , memorial contributions may be made to the church and or the Alzheimer Disease Research Center 200 Lothrop St. Pittsburgh, Pa. 15213