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WOODS
James J.
Not one to do anything half way, James "Jim" Woods made sure he spent an even 60 years married to his wife, Joan, when he passed away on September 24, 2015. Business challenges and the occasional family crisis never fazed him, although his youngest son's practical jokes ruffled his feathers a time or two. He loved his family, hated vegetables, and above all, led by example.
Jim was born on November 3, 1926, to parents James and Cecilia Woods. He grew up in the Irish Horseshoe section of Jersey City, NJ, and enlisted in the Army Air Corps upon graduating from high school. Once discharged, he attended Saint Peter's College and financed his bachelor's in management by working nights at the Fulton Fish Market, and became the first in his family to graduate from college. Inspired by his grandfather, an avid reader with a third-grade education who told him that you can't do anything without an education, Jim received his master's in business administration from New York University. From there, he tackled leadership positions at Lipton, Good Humor, Canada Dry, Camp Chemical, retiring from Holcim in Dundee, Michigan as CFO and Executive Vice President.
It was business that led him to his wife, Joan, whom he met at Lipton. Jim initially worried she was too young (he was 25 and she was 19 when they met), and although he was plagued by the flu on an early date, the relationship took off, and they were married in September of 1955. Their life together began in a tiny attic apartment in Weehawken, NJ, and took them to Elmwood Park, NJ and Toledo, OH as the family grew. Upon his retirement, Jim spent his days devouring books, spending time with his grandchildren, and golfing.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Joan; children, Kerry (Theresa), Kathleen (Robert Kolodgy), Kevin (Mary), and Kenan (Angela); grandchildren, Megan (Scott), Patrick (Melissa), Emily (Brad), Shannon, Kelly, Kaylee, Connor, Kathleen, Kendal, Jameson, and Jamie, and great-grandchild, Cecilia. They will all miss him and his sense of humor, keen until the very end. And when his family and friends gather to remember Jim's life, they will also be celebrating the importance of a good example.
The family will receive guests at Santangelo Funeral Home, 635 McBride Ave., Woodland Park, NJ on Friday, October 2 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St. Bonaventure's, 174 Ramsey St., Paterson, NJ at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, October 3. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association:
www.alz.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Joan and Family;
We are saddened to hear of Jim's passing.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Dillon Family
Tom & Dee Dillon
October 4, 2015
Although I did not work directly for Jim, we worked together on several company policies and problems during our tenure. He was admired and respected by all at Dundee/Holnam/Holcium employees. His many stories of pevious business experiences were enjoyed by all, as were our post retirement gatherings. He was a valued friend. May we convey our deepest sympathies Joan and the Family.
Glen and Rose Bollin
October 2, 2015
In Loving memory of a great mentor! What a legacy you left Uncle Jim! Although your physical presence will be missed, your teachable moments are so clearly exemplified through the lives of your adoring family !
I am thankful that you and your family have been an integral piece of my life :)
May God continue to bless all the Woods family and friends.
Karen Strittmatter
October 1, 2015
There will always be a special man in my life who taught me my work ethics, importance of family and above all my faith. He was more than a boss and will always have a special place in my heart. My heart goes out to the Woods family. I remember Kathy's beautiful wedding and the boys coming into the office years ago. I will always remember the love and smile that he had when he mentioned Joan. And who can forget the chocolates and gifts he would bring me from Switzerland. Hugs to all of you and know he was so very special to many. Laura Karner. [email protected]
Laura Karner
October 1, 2015
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