James Wood

James Wallace Wood was born in Eldora, Iowa on November 17, 1930 and walked into the arms of Jesus during his 87th year, on July 8, 2018. A long-time resident of Idaho Falls, Idaho, James ("Jim") Wood lived a life full of love, joy, and sacrifice for his family.

The only child of John and Elinor Wood, Jim spent his childhood in Iowa and California, eventually settling in Caldwell, Idaho. Jim’s first marriage was brief, but brought him his first son David, whom he loved very much.

After moving to Pocatello, Idaho, Jim met and married Judith Grace Potratz in 1962. The couple later moved to Idaho Falls, where they raised their three children, a daughter and twin boys. Jim loved music and singing, and passed this passion on to his children. He worked hard to provide his family with opportunities and experiences that he did not have growing up. He and Judy would take the young family camping and fishing and were very involved in their local church. Jim worked for the telephone company for over 30 years, climbing up poles and down into manholes to repair the lines, often working extra hours during storms.

After thirty-one years of marriage, Judy passed away from cancer. Jim later met Sheryl McGregor at church, and she brought joy to his now lonely life. They married in 1995 and enjoyed travelling, hiking, gardening, square-dancing, and time spent with family.

A skilled woodworker and a man who could fix anything, Jim enjoyed working with his hands and was often found in his workshop tinkering on some project or making one of his beautiful pieces of furniture. Even at 87, he liked to keep active, working to keep his yard in pristine condition, bowling with friends twice a week, and volunteering at Mt.View Hospital. Jim was known as a caring, encouraging, honorable, hard-working man and will be missed by many. He is survived by his wife Sheryl Wood, son David McAbee, daughter Terri (and Terry) Baldwin, son Douglas (and Kristin) Wood, son Donald (and Kristen) Wood, step-daughter Penny (and Todd) Tocheri, step-son Rocky (and Sima) McGregor, nineteen grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at 11am on Saturday, July 14th at Crosspoint Community Church, 1900 Grandview, Idaho Falls, Idaho. Memorials may be donated to Idaho Conservation League at idahoconservation.org.

Funeral Services will be held