Obituary of James A. Woods
James A. Woods, 85, of Wurtsboro, NY passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown, NY.
James, more commonly known as Jim, was born July 13, 1936 in New York City. The son of the late Thomas L. Woods Sr. and Suzanne M. Dirand Woods.
Jim was a retired accountant from Miller, Tabak, Hirsch and Company in New York City. He worked well into his early 70’s and never complained. Throughout his life he was a hard worker and never left anything undone.
Jim was a devout Catholic. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Wurtsboro, NY and formerly a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Middletown, NY.
Jim enjoyed life and being involved in various organizations. He was part of the Middletown Marching Middies when his children were in school and went on many trips and competitions with them. Later on, he joined the Middletown Elks Lodge #1097 and was Exalted Ruler (2002-2003), District Deputy (2010) and Elk of the Year (2012). He was very active with the Elks events and weekly bingos. When he was no longer able to drive, a few of his friends, especially Pete Lazier, would pick him up so he could still participate. His family was very grateful to them.
A lover of all sports, Jim attended many games with his family and friends whether it be baseball, football, basketball, hockey or soccer. During his younger days, Jim loved the sport of soccer the most. He played competitively and was planning on a professional soccer career until he suffered a knee injury. You could still find him watching soccer, both new and old games on TV.
Jim loved to travel and took his family on many vacations, including the beach, day trips, cruises and to Europe.
If you knew Jim, you knew that his passion was working on his yard. He taught family, friends and neighbors how to take care of the grass. His grass was always thick, green and soft to walk on, just like a plush carpet. It gave him great pleasure to get compliments from others about his well manicured lawn. He continued to work every day throughout the spring, summer and fall as his daughter and granddaughter's landscaper. He was looking forward to cutting the grass with his great grandson this summer.
Jim lived a full life and was the best son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He was kind, friendly, happy, social, loving, a great provider and always had a positive outlook. Everyone who met him felt the same way.
Jim’s wishes were to be alive to see both of his children retire, which they did, and to be able to meet his great grandson, which he did. His family already misses him dearly and wishes he was still here.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years: Wilma L. Ojeda Woods, at home; a son: James N. Woods of New Hampton; a daughter: Jacqueline S. Sherlock & her husband Robert of Wurtsboro; a granddaughter: Erin Alessandrini & her husband Nicholas; a great grandson: Robert. He is also survived by one niece, Catherine August Wickes, one great nephew and his daughter and one great niece. He also leaves behind members of his wife’s family whom he loved very much. He was predeceased by both of his parents, sister Patricia August and brother Thomas Woods and his two beloved dogs, Roger and Magnum.
Funeral services will be held privately for the family and burial will be held at the St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Wurtsboro.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Middletown Humane Society.
Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Wurtsboro. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com
