James Oscar Woods Jr. was born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, on November 17, 1942. He was born to James Marcus Woods and Ethel Delmarva Woods, parents that instilled in him values of hard work, love for others, and faith in God. His parents moved to Montclair NJ in 1947. He was affectionally known as "Jim," and "Woodsy" to many.
As a young man, Jim attended Trinity Presbyterian Church, in Montclair, New Jersey, where he accepted Christ as his personal savior. He enjoyed family cookouts, pool parties, and vacationing. Enjoying life's small joys and spending time with family became a theme through out Jim's life.
Jim matriculated through the Montclair Public School system. He enjoyed his studies and was an outstanding athlete who dominated on the football field. He graduated from Montclair High School in 1962. Jim received a football scholarship to Tennessee State University and was drafted by The Kansas City Chiefs. While he attended The Kansas City Chiefs NFL training program, Jim became injured and returned to New Jersey.
He worked for the Township of Montclair as a housing and zoning inspector. Learning more about housing and construction, Jim joined his father in the family excavating and paving business. He worked for several years, completing residential and commercial projects throughout New Jersey.
He married JoAnn Keyes on September 19, 2003. They had a loving relationship that was fueled by love of family, mutual interests and a zest for life. Together, they hosted family functions and always attended family events.
He adored his nieces and nephews.
While many knew Jim as a football great, he was also an avid skier, and swimmer. He had a passion for golf. Jim honed his golf skills, entered tournaments throughout the United States and proudly brought home trophies. He enjoyed watching the news, staying aware of what was going on in his community and in society.
Jim was a member of Roger Williams Baptist Church in Passaic, New Jersey. He loved on people and opted to see the best in them but was also willing to tell the truth and correct people when needed. Jim was most well-known for his famous potato salad, infectious personality, cracking jokes, giant "bear hugs" and his bear growl. Jim was "the life of the party," always respectful of his elders while also listening to and engaging younger members of the family. He wanted to learn from others even while he shared his own wisdom.
He was known to sing, dress with impeccable attention to detail, and dance at every family function. When he shook your hand or gave you a hug, he drew you in. Jim was a great husband, brother,Uncle and friend. Our family has received beautiful testimonials, that are a testament to the way he lived his life.
James Oscar Woods, Jr. was predeceased by several family members including his parents, James and Ethel Woods; his first wife, Geraldine Woods; his son, Joseph Woods; and his sister, Julia Marie Woods-Long.
James Oscar Woods, Jr. is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, JoAnn Woods; his brother, Ronald James Woods; his sisters-in-law, Robin Keyes and Stacey Keyes; his granddaughter, Daioness Woods; his great-granddaughter, ZaLiyah Frencher; and a host of nieces, nephews, great- and great-great-nieces and nephews neighbors, colleagues, and friends.
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." – 2 Timothy 4:7
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