Jeffrey R. Woods

Jeffrey "Woody" Woods, a beloved father, husband, and pilot, known for his adventurous spirit and sharp wit, passed away on April 10, 2023.

He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 20, 1964 to Barbara Malouf and Richard Woods. While growing up in Tucson, Arizona, Jeff developed a passion for flying. He received his bachelor's degree in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arizona and joined the Marine Corps in 1986. Throughout his 35 years of flight experience, Jeff flew almost 6,000 hours in 44 different aircraft types, although predominantly in the F/A-18 Hornet where he logged over 4,400 hours. He was a graduate of the USAF Test Pilot School as well as the MAWTS-1 Weapons and Tactics Instructor program.

Jeff was a natural leader who commanded a tactical F/A-18 squadron, VMFA (AW)-225, during combat operations in Iraq, as well as Miramar's F/A-18 Training Squadron, VMFAT-101. Following his promotion to the rank of Colonel his final command was Marine Corps Bases West in the Hawaiian Islands. He retired after 26 years of faithful service in 2012.

After his retirement from the Marine Corps, Jeff continued his aviation passion and worked as a Chief Flight Test Pilot at Northrop Grumman. He played critical roles in the design and flight test of both manned and unmanned aircraft. Jeff was very effective in this role as he had the ability to communicate and identify with every person on the team - from the janitor sweeping the hangar to a Vice President observing a flight demonstration.

Jeff's vast hobbies included mountain biking, scuba diving, running, and playing Runescape (level 138). He had a love for life and never took anything too seriously. But what truly set Jeff apart was his sense of humor and his uncanny timing. His ability to crack a joke in any situation always had friends, family (and even strangers) laughing and it often defused tense situations.

In addition to his career and adventurous hobbies, Jeff was a devoted family man who inspired and encouraged those around him. He is survived by his wife, Taylor; his two children, CJ and Katie; his mother, Barbara; and his sister, Jenny.

A celebration of Jeff's life will be held on April 27, 2023 at 2:00pm sharp at Miramar National Cemetery. Guests are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early as there will be a vehicle procession to the service. When you arrive to the cemetery please pull up to Lane 1 and wait in your car.

After the service a reception will be held at AleSmith Brewing. The address is 9990 AleSmith Court, San Diego 92126.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Kidney Cancer Association or Kern County Animal Services.