James Richard Ogden

James Richard Ogden passed away in Orlando, Florida on July 6, 2026, at the age of 42 following a long and courageous battle with PTSD and alcoholism. He was born in Kingsville, TX to Michael Ogden and the late Theresa Day Payne.

James spent his youth between Yuma, Arizona; New Bern, North Carolina; and Virginia Beach, Virginia. He was a graduate of Princess Anne High School, attended Old Dominion University and later graduated from Keiser University in Florida. James joined the United States Marine Corps in 2003 and served his country honorably with distinctive tours that included two separate combat deployments during Operation Iraqi Freedom participating in the battles of Fallujah and Ramadi.

Upon leaving the Marine Corps in 2008 James continued his dedication to serving others by working with the II MEF Simulation Center in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where he helped prepare Marines for the challenges of combat. In 2012 he married Jessica Morrison, and together they relocated to Florida where James began his career in force protection and security. James was preceded in death by his beloved Jessica who passed away in 2020.

James will be remembered for his infectious smile, quirky laugh and oh so bold personality. He was a hardworking, hard charging Marine whose sense of humor and vibrant spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. While he faced significant challenges later in life, those who knew and loved him will remember him for the joy he brought to others, his unwavering loyalty, and strength of character that defined him throughout his years of service and beyond.

James is survived by his father, Michael; his stepmother, Renee; his brother, Matthew; his sister-in-law, Ashley; two nieces, Leah and Ava; his step grandmother Beth; his uncle Rick; and his aunt Kim; cousins Samantha and Nayla as well as numerous extended family members, fellow Marines, and many, many friends.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, July 17th, 2026 at Beaufort National Cemetery, 1602 Boundary Street, Beaufort, SC 29902, at the cemetery’s Committal Shelter. Attendees should arrive by 9:45 AM. Flowers may be sent to Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, SC 29910 or donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Americans for Ibogaine (https://www.americansforibogaine.org) and 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans Foundation (https://38oifoef.org).