James Edward Woods
July 21, 1920 - August 6, 2011
Obituary
James Edward Woods died on August 6, 2011 in Kent, Washington at 91 years of age.
Jim was born to Harvey Woods and Ruth Spooner Woods at the Ballard Maternity Hospital, Ballard, Seattle on July 21, 1920. His father worked as a lighthouse keeper at the Cape Flattery Lighthouse on Tatoosh Island, Neah Bay where Jim spent his early childhood years. After returning to Ballard in the mid-1920s, Jim attended St. Alphonsus Elementary School and Briscoe Boys’ School in the Kent Valley. He graduated from Bishop O’Dea High School, Seattle in 1939.
A veteran of World War II, Jim served as a warrant officer on the USAT Madison Jordan Manchester in the European theater. He returned to Seattle after the war and commenced employment with Manson Construction & Engineering Co. where he worked as a master mechanic until his retirement in 1985.
Jim was a member of the Masonic Fraternity and was active in many of the Masonic bodies, including serving as Grand Master of Occidental Lodge, Ballard in 1959.
He was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and trained to become a deacon in his retirement. After ordination in 1989, he served both St. Luke’s and as Chaplain to Ballard/Swedish Hospital for several years.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his foster parents Joseph and Marie Appa, his wife Ann, and his sister Mary F. Murray. He is survived by his sons Michael and Lanny Woods from his first marriage and his children Crystal Tully, Paul Woods and Colleen Jones, his sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, eight grandsons, two granddaughters, nephews Patrick and John Murray, a grandniece and grandnephew.
Funeral service was held on August 11, 2011 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 5710 22nd Ave NW, Seattle. Burial was at Crown Hill Cemetery in Seattle following the service. Wiggen & Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made in Jim’s name to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.
