James ‘Jim’ Odegard was a member of Minneapolis’s thrash metal scene and original vocalist of the local band Disturbed. According to Anderson-TeBeest Funeral Home, Odegard passed away at his home on February 6, 2025.
James ‘Jim’ Odegard Gad A Life Dedicated to Metal
Jim thrived in the Minneapolis heavy metal and thrash metal scene of the 1980s and 90s. The Minneapolis metal scene of the 1980s and 90s had a tight-knit community of musicians and supporters. Odegard was both a performer and an advocate for other local bands.
His passion for music came out in 1986. That year, he became the lead vocalist for the original Minneapolis-based Disturbed, alongside bandmates Earl Root, Gregg Bleaker, Mike Nelson, and Nick Miller.
Odegard also formed the band God Awful with his longtime collaborator Earl Root. This partnership became one of the most long-standing musical relationships in the Minneapolis metal scene.
Odegard was a huge Iron Maiden fan as well. As the obituary on Anderson-TeBeest Funeral Home shows, he attended 39 Iron Maiden concerts throughout his lifetime.
James ‘Jim’ Odegard Cause of Death
Odegard worked at Prairies Edge Casino in Granite Falls, Minnesota at the time of his passing. His specific cause of his death remains undisclosed, but it’s known that he passed away at his home. According to his Facebook page, Odegard had a history of cancer, so it might be related to that. He left behind an estimated net worth of $1.5 million.
Who Inherited James ‘Jim’ Odegard’s Estate?
Several family members are involved in the distribution of Odegard’s $1.5 million estate. As his obituary points out, his survivors include his sister Karen Odegard Dulak and her husband Joe Dulak, nephew Josh Dulak (with Liz Rivera), niece Kate (with Blake Dorman), and girlfriend Dawn Ritter. His parents, John and Mavis Odegard, preceded him in death.
