John A. Wood

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of John Alden Wood on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, at the age of 89.

A devoted husband, loving father, long-time golfer, jazz enthusiast, flugelhorn and trumpet player, dedicated Wordle aficionado, and reigning dad joke champion, John left an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Born to Archie and Irene Wood in Escanaba, Mich., in 1936, John was a proud and genuine Yooper. He spent his formative years in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where he trained to be a telegraph operator for the St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railroad (commonly known as the Soo Line) and ran the Engadine Station.

He then moved to the St. Joseph area in the mid-1950s, where he lovingly raised his family and began a new career as bookkeeper for Musselman's Fruit Canners; diligently working his way up to plant manager and personnel manager. Building on his human resources experience, John founded Wood Employment Agency in 1975. This venture grew to become Beacon Services and eventually multiplied out to Wood Personnel Services in Nashville and Wood Temporary Staffing in Benton Harbor.

In 1995, John retired to Leesburg, Fla., embracing his "silver and golden years" with characteristic zest. There, he indulged in his passions: perfecting his golf swing, adventuring around the world, throughout the U.S., across Florida, and perfecting the Disney World experience for his treasured grandchildren. His culinary quests were legendary, always on the hunt for new eateries, the perfect donut, and ranking the world's best pasties – a unique delicacy perfected and cherished by the mining families of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

John's greatest joy was his family. He leaves behind Janet, his loving wife of 50 years; his seven children: Robin (Brian Leja), Jim (Vicki Wood), Bill (Jennie Wood), Kip (Sue Ruff), Connie (Bob Beargie), Gayla (Craig Wiklund) and Doug (Jill Wood), 19 adored grandchildren, and 16 cherished great-grandchildren, all of whom will deeply miss his unwavering love, boundless warmth, and daily dose of Facebook memes, dad jokes, reflective political commentary, keen witticisms and loving wisdom.

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