James' Obituary
James “Woody” Woods was born January 4, 1942 and passed away at home on January 4, 2023 on his 81st birthday. He was born at home in Farmington, Michigan to Raymond and Bernice Woods. He was the 5th of 11 children. He graduated from Farmington High School and then enlisted in the U. S. Air Force as a mechanic for the 97th air refueling squadron. Woody was stationed at Malmstrom in Great Falls. It was during this time that he met Ember Harmon at a Saturday-night dance at the Demolay. They married later that year in October of 1962.
Jim and Ember built a busy, happy life in the Great Falls community while raising their 3 children, Autumn, Allen, and April. When the family was young, Jim loved coaching hockey and little league baseball for all of Allen’s teams. He loved and encouraged every player he coached.
Woody built a successful career working at various jobs including 15 years for the Frito Lay company. His real passion was helping customers find the perfect car. He prided himself on exceptional service and high integrity and loved his job. He finished his career at City Toyota and was Top Salesman many of those years.
He had a heart for service and lived out his Christian faith by volunteering at the Great Falls Community Food Bank, Fish, Sunrise Lions Club, and as an Elder at Sunrise Presbyterian Church.
Jim was a huge sports fan and played golf, racquetball, softball, as well as camping, fishing, and boating. He was a lifelong Detroit Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, and University of Michigan Wolverines fan.
Music was his true gift and passion. He shared his beautiful tenor voice by singing in the church choir for 53 years and performed countless solos and duets for weddings, funerals, and many other special occasions. His singing of “O Holy Night” was beloved every Christmas Eve. He especially loved singing with his family, instilling a love of music that continues to this day.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 6 siblings; and his son, Allen Woods. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ember; his daughters, Autumn (Steve) Keller and April (Shaun) Woods-Tatarka; daughter-in-law Shirley Woods; grandchildren, Ari, Jori, Tevin, Jim, Mary, Shaun, Dylan; and 4 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Sunrise Presbyterian Church in Great Falls, MT.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Peace Hospice for their tender care.
If desired, memorial donations would be appreciated for Sunrise Presbyterian Church and the Great Falls Community Food Bank.
Jim was a man of deep faith who loved his family and his country. He lived out his values, was generous with his love, and we will always miss his hugs, ready smile, endless trivia questions, and beautiful songs.
