Obituary of James Vodra

James Lawrence Vodra, age 84, passed away on February 16, 2023 after a period of declining health.  He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Nancy Morning Vodra. He was born in Los Angeles, CA on February 1, 1939 to Victor H. Vodra and Marjorie Wilson Vodra, and grew up with his two brothers in Portland, Detroit and Wooster, OH. He graduated from the College of Wooster, class of 1961, and remained a devoted supporter of the school for the rest of his life, serving as class secretary for 50 years. He and Nancy met at the College of  Wooster and married after her graduation in 1963.

After college he joined the Navy. He was a Vietnam Veteran, having served as a Naval Aviator based in Hawaii and California. Upon discharge he joined TWA, flying for 33 years and retiring as a Captain. 

Larry and Nancy moved to Brookfield in 1969. He was an active member of his community, serving on the Board of Education in Brookfield for 15 years, as well as being a member of the local Jaycees and Rotary Club. He was also an active member of The Congregational Church of Brookfield, serving on many committees over the years.

In his free time, Larry loved trains and anything that ran on rails, and enjoyed sharing his passion with his family and friends. In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by two children, Dr. Janet Vodra O'Sullivan (Jeff) of Southbury, CT and Rev. Robert Vodra (Keri) of Pembroke NH, four grandchildren: Colleen and Connor O'Sullivan and Glenn and Collin Vodra, two brothers, William (Dru) and Richard (Jane) Vodra, both living in the D.C. area, and extended family.

A service will be held at the Congregational Church of Brookfield on March 4 at 11am. In  remembrance of Larry's life, the family suggests donations can be made to the Book of Remembrance at the Congregational Church of Brookfield, or to the J. Lawrence Vodra Scholarship at the College of Wooster. Larry will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his memory will live on through the many lives he touched throughout his long and impactful life.