James “Woody” Grover Wood Jr., age 94, passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at his home in West Branch, MI surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 14, 1929, in Detroit, MI, James Wood Sr. and Lutie Long. He lived in West Branch since 1972, formerly of Metamora, MI.
On September 29, 1951, he married Joyce Cooper in Fort Worth, TX
Woody, as he was affectionately known, served in the Air Force during the Korean War, and was stationed at the Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, TX, where he worked in the Air Inspector Office. He was proud of his military service and the camaraderie he shared with his fellow servicemen.
In his civilian life, Woody was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch. He was also actively involved in various organizations, including the Knights of Columbus Council #2022, the American Legion Post #416 in St. Helen, and the West Branch Country Club.
Woody’s true passion lay in the great outdoors. He enjoyed spending his winters at Dauphin Island in Mobile Bay, Alabama, where he relished in golfing, fishing and gathering oysters. He was an avid angler and hunter, and his favorite pastimes included fishing, hunting, and ice fishing.
Woody will be remembered as a loving husband of 72 years, survived by his wife Joyce Wood of West Branch. He also leaves behind his sons, Michael (Rhonda) Wood and John (Pierrette) Wood, as well as his daughter-in-law, Michelle Wood. Woody was a proud grandfather to Harrison, Parker, Ryan (Alecia), Nicole (Deep), Bliss, and great-grandfather to Lilly, Kaya, Wynter, and Blake. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.
Woody was preceded in death by his parents, son, James G. Wood III, his grandson, Aaron Wood, his brother, Elmer Wood, and his sisters, Eleanor Boghossian and Lutie Papesh.
A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at a later date.
Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch, MI. www.steuernolmclaren.com.
May Woody’s memory live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him.
