James Roy Woods

James "Jim" Roy Woods, 80, of Camillus passed away Saturday, March 28, 2026. Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years Clara A. (Hainey); his daughters, Christine E. Woods Heslin (Joseph Heslin) and Karen R. Jennings (Adam) both of Camillus; his pride and joy grandchildren, Porter, Amelia, and Beatrice Jennings; brothers, Francis, Robert, Frederick (Kevin), Thomas and David (Adeline) and sister, Joyce; as well as brother-in-laws, Micheal (Susan); Thomas (Susan); and Louis Hainey. Along with many nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Eleanor (Murphy)Woods; sisters, Lucille and Charlene Woods; sisters-in-law, Martha and Joanne Woods, and Kathleen Hainey Reis; and brother-in-law, Joseph Hainey.
Raised in Marcellus, Jim has been a resident of Camillus since 1973. A lover of the outdoors Jim could be found on the weekends working on the family pool or yard. In the winter, when his children were young, Jim volunteered at the Camillus Ski Hill. Jim could fix anything mechanical and began his career at W.F. Saunders & Sons at the young age of 16, he would work there for 47 years except for his time in the military.
Jim was drafted in 1968 and sent to Phu Loi, Vietnam where he was a mechanic in the Army working on CH-47D Chinook Helicopters. Jim achieved the rank of Spec. 5 before returning home. Proud to be a Vietnam Veteran, Jim attended the yearly watchfire at the New York State Fairgrounds on Memorial Day. Jim could be recognized by his Vietnam Veteran hat, jacket, license plate cover and t-shirts.
A huge NASCAR fan, especially for driver Dale Earnhardt, Jim watched the races every Sunday and even travelled to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, NC. Jim and Clare loved to travel, they spent many hours visiting new places and learning about different states. National parks, the Carolinas, Savannah, GA and many other places on the East Coast were some of their favorite destinations. Trying new foods and enjoying beautiful scenery made this time together special.
One of Jim's favorite past times in retirement was spending time with his grandchildren. Babysitting Porter, Amelia, and Beatrice as they swam, watched tv, and played in the front yard always brought a smile to "PA's" face.
To celebrate Jim's life, relatives and friends are invited to gather on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus.
A funeral service will follow in the funeral home.
Jim will be laid to rest with full military honors in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Marcellus.
Contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.