Jack E. Wood Jr.

WOOD, JACK E. JR., - of Mystic Island, died peacefully, Thursday, June 7, at his home. A native of Atlantic City, he was born on August 17, 1920 to Ruby and Jack E. Wood Sr. He was the last surviving of three siblings who included Richard J. Wood and Molly Ann Freeman. Jack attended the Atlantic City School System. At Atlantic City High School, he was a member of the Tennis Team, and won the Atlantic City Singles Championship. He graduated in 1939. He attended Howard University, here he met his sweetheart and lifelong love, Grace. They have been married for 63 years. Always active and dedicated to the community, he was nationally renowned for his leadership in both the government and private sectors. After a successful career with the NAACP he founded the National Committee Against Discrimination in Housing (NCDH), headquartered in New York City with offices in San Francisco. Mr. Wood left that position to lead the Harlem Urban Development Corporation (HUDC) as CEO, A branch of the New York State Government, HUDC was headquartered in New York City. After a brief retirement, and still feeling a need to contribute, he created a successful consulting agency in Atlantic City targeting the newly legalized casino industry. Recognizing his contribution over the years and the need for affirmative action and management development, the State of New Jersey appointed Mr. Wood as the Director of Affirmative Action with the Casino Control Commission. He served in this capacity for a number of years before he retired. Mr. Wood is survived by his wife, Grace, his step-mother, Marguerite Wood, his children Gail and husband Leon Zachery Jr., Sandi Watson, Jack and Mark Wood, grandchildren Scott, wife Katya, Brian and Travis Watson, Mark and Michael Wood, Leon, wife Angela, Brent, wife Tamara and Brandon Zachery, great granddaughters Cali Watson, Jameson and Ella Zachery, nieces, nephews and many friends and business associates across the country. Funeral services will be held at 11:00a.m. on Wednesday, June 13, 2007, at the Greenidge Funeral Home, Atlantic City, where friends may call from 9:00a.m. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery, Pleasantville.