James R. Woodard

Brookfield – James R. Woodard, 77, of Brookfield died at home on Sunday, October 26, 2025, with his family by his side.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 56 years, Louise G. (Lavallee) Woodard; his son, Benjamin Woodard and his wife, Jennifer, of West Hartford, CT; his brother, John H. Woodard and his wife, Marsha, of Brookfield, his sister, Linda H. Ostiguy and her husband, James, of Brookfield, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Elaine Terry. He was born in Ware, son of the late Howard F. and Mildred J. (Walker) Woodard and was a life-long resident of Brookfield.

Jim graduated from Tantasqua Regional High School in 1966 and received a post graduate degree from the school in 1967. After graduation, he worked as a draftsman at the former Morgan Construction Company in Worcester. In 1971, he began his career with Warren Pump Manufacturing and retired in 2010 as an Aftermarket Sales Manager, a position that saw him often traveling the world. During this time, he also attended the School of Industrial Management at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Together, Jim and Louise could often be seen at various volunteer organizations and events throughout the area, including the Brookfield Ecumenical Food Pantry and the town luminaries on Christmas Eve. Jim enjoyed model railroading as a hobby and for some time was a member of the Amherst Railway Society. Art was important to Jim, as were the Boston Red Sox, and he relished watching westerns, Indiana Jones, and Star Wars films with his son. He was a long-time member of St. Mary Church and Sacred Heart Church and valued his strong faith.

A calling hour for Jim will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 9:30AM to 10:30AM at Sacred Heart Church, 22 West Main Street in West Brookfield. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30AM following the calling hour. Burial will be held immediately following mass, in Brookfield Cemetery, 43 West Main Street in Brookfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Brookfield EMS, 4 Central Street, Brookfield, MA 01506.

Varnum Funeral Home, 43 East Main Street in West Brookfield is honored to serve Jim’s family with his services. An online tribute is available at varnumfuneralhome.com