James D. "Jim" Woods

1931 - 2018

James D. "Jim" Woods
1931-2018
James D. Woods was born on the 24th of July 24 1931, in Falmouth, Kentucky and passed away on Sunday, the 4th of February 2018 in Houston after suffering complications from a stroke.
Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as a strong Christian, an optimist and a believer in the goodness of each human being. He will be remembered for his love of, and dedication to family and friends. He loved life and lived it to its fullest, enjoying every moment. He loved sports, especially baseball, basketball and football. He was a longtime runner and in recent years a persistent walker.
After graduating from high school in Kentucky, Jim entered the United States Air Force, serving for four years during the Korean War. He attended California State University at Fullerton and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Finance. He remained active at Cal State in their alumni and athletic programs.
He joined Baker Oil Tools in 1955 when the company had only $17 million in revenues. Jim spent his entire working career with Baker and was the guiding force in the Baker International and Hughes Tool company merger in 1987, which ultimately became Baker Hughes Inc. This merger was one of the first major oilfield service company consolidations at that time. He was made Chairman, President and CEO in 1986 of Baker Hughes Inc., and he retired from that position in January of 1997, at which time the company's revenues were approximately $4 billion per year, with a workforce approximating 25,000 employees.
In Houston, Jim served as Chairman of the Memorial Hermann Hospital Systems Board, was chairman of the YMCA of the Greater Houston Area, a Trustee of the Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research and a Trustee of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Jim is a recipient of the coveted Herbert Hoover Humanitarian Award from the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the prestigious David Allen Award from the Greater Houston Area YMCA, a lifetime board member of Houston Livestock and Rodeo, and long standing member of River Oaks Country Club.
Jim was a very generous man and gave and provided the initial funding for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Deep East Texas (which now is comprised of 12 clubs throughout East Texas) and was a major contributor to the YMCA youth camps throughout Texas.
In 2006 Jim was awarded the Honorary Doctorate of Human Lettering Degree from Cal State Fullerton where he attended college. In 2007 he created an endowment to fund the James D. Woods Distinguished Chairs in Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston and served on the University of Texas Health Science Center Development Board. He recently provided funding to help build the new School of Business and Economics at Cal State Fullerton, where the Grand Entry Hall bears his name. In addition, he provided the funding necessary to develop The Jim & Jeanette Woods' Center for Economic Analysis & Forecasting at Cal State Fullerton.
He was active in numerous business associations, such as American Petroleum Institute, Director and past President of the Petroleum Equipment Supplier Association (PESA), Director and past President of National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) and a member of the 25 Year Club of the Petroleum Industry.
During his career, he served on the Board of Directors of Itel Corporation, The Kroger Company, Varco International, ESCO Technologies, OMI Corporation, Integrated Electrical Services, Wynn's International, United States Energy Company (USEC), Howmet Corporation, Foster Wheeler Corporation, The Petroleum Club of Houston, Hydrochem, Complete Production Services, Caprock Communications and Baker Hughes Incorporated. After his retirement from Baker Hughes Inc, Jim served as an advisor to SCF Partners, a private capital group investing in oil field service companies.
Jim was a true gentleman and his heart was always filled with love, kindness and generosity and he will remain in our hearts forever. "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal."
Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Jeanette (Stoller) Woods; stepdaughters, Taylor Barbara Halberstam, son-in-law Michael Halberstam and granddaughter Kayla Halberstam, and Susan Ann Stoller and spouse Molly Downs. He was recently preceded in death by his son Jeff Woods. He is also survived by Jeff's wife Nancy Woods; grandchildren Madison, Hailey, Kaitlyn and Sarah Cepak, husband Brad Cepak; great granddaughter Sophie Cepak and great grandson Cy Cepak; as well as daughters Jayme Simpson, Linda Nicholson, Debbie Castillo and their families.
The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to Bertha Martinez and her daughter Margarita Rojas, for their loving and compassionate care and service given over the past years. In addition we are so very grateful to Dr. Carmel Dyer for her excellent and loving care as well as Vitas Hospice's Tiffany Hardy, RN and staff. A special thanks goes to Evergreen Private Care caregivers, Christine Dubuque, Sherry Rodriguez, Carmen Gage, Liz Beth Giron, Gloria Rottger, Adriana Gonzales, Melissa Aguirre and Darlyn Romero for their loving and dedicated care given over these past months. Last, but not least, our gratitude and deep appreciation to Houston Hospice and their excellent staff where he passed away after a short stay.
The family will receive visitors from five o'clock in the afternoon until eight o'clock in the evening on Friday, the 9th of February, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.
A memorial service is to be conducted at three o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 10th of February, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 800 Houston Avenue in Houston, where Pastor Michael P. Dorn, and Pastor Donald G. Black are to officiate.
Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the entrance foyer adjacent to the main sanctuary.
Prior to the service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Deep East Texas, P. O. Box 631345, Nacogdoches, Texas 75963; to the Houston Children's Charity, 230 Westcott, Suite 202, Houston, Texas 77007; to The YMCA of Greater Houston, 2600 North Loop West, Suite 300, Houston, Texas 77092; or to the charity of one's choice.
For those desiring, you may also access the online guest registry and obituary at www.geohlewis.com