Dr. James M. Wood Jr.

Dr. James M. Wood Jr. obituary, Baton Rouge, LA

James Wood Obituary

Dr. James M. Wood JR. of Baton Rouge, born July 5, 1927 in Birmingham, Alabama, died Sunday, May 19, 2013 at Carpenter House. He leaves his wife of 60 years, Marian E. Wood, daughter Maura Wood, husband Don Patterson, and grandson Brad Patterson of Baton Rouge, daughter Dr. Heather A. Wood and husband Dr. Rob Coberly of Albuquerque New Mexico, and son Dr. Jeffrey M Wood and partner Sheila Power of Madison Wisconsin. He also leaves brother William A. Wood and wife Vina Wood, niece Valerie Smith, and great-nieces Corrine and Mia Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents James M and Josephine Wood, and his niece Lavinia Wood. Dr. Wood received his PhD in physical chemistry at the University of Wisconsin, and began the romance of his life there when he met and married Marian. During his 38 years as a chemist for Ethyl Corporation (later Albemarle), he worked on projects that received multiple patents and contributed to research that ranged from rocket fuel to batteries for electric cars to computer chips. Jim stood strongly for social justice and civil rights. He never complained about paying taxes, as he believed in his country and its founding principles of equality, freedom, and justice. He also believed in a citizen's responsibility to be involved in creating a better community, attending many public meetings and writing many letters to public officials regarding transportation, drainage, and development. He read and studied constantly, and could always be counted on for an accurate answer to the most obscure questions. He enjoyed many trips, including to the national parks and to see family members. But if you asked him, his favorite pastime and proudest accomplishment was his family. He was a devoted son, and steadfast and loving husband and father. He was proud to educate his children and launch them into satisfying lives and livelihoods. Jim delighted in his only grandson, and contributed countless "Grandpa" hours to Brad's childhood. He was a modest and unassuming man, and those who knew him respected his kindness, generosity, and integrity. In all his actions in the world, he was honest and responsible. He will be profoundly missed, and his family will strive to carry forward his values of fairness, honesty, and loyalty. The family would like to express great gratitude to the staff at Ochsner Hospitals of New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Promise Hospital of Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge General for their skilled nursing staff, and St. Joseph Hospice Carpenter House. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2013 at the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge, 8470 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heifer Project or the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge are greatly appreciated.

Published by The Advocate from May 19 to May 26, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Thinking of you all. He was a good and patient man. We're all better to have known him. Much love.

Scott & Lynn Goodwin

June 3, 2013

Our hearts are with you at this sad time. Such an amazing man; such a wonderful life. His legacy lives on in all of you!

Julie Patterson & Rob Morgan

May 26, 2013

Jim was a fine man of dignity and grace. I was very lucky to have worked with him many years ago. My heart goes out to your family for your loss.

Judy Arroyave

May 24, 2013

Marian, Gloria and I extend our deepest sympathy to you, Maura, Heather, Jeff and the entire Wood family for your loss of Jim. His obituary had the right words: "kindness, generosity, and integrity" truly describes his character. We regret having loss contact with you and Jim over the last few years. Gloria and I wish you well and hope that your grief will give you strength.

Jerry and Gloria Leggio

May 22, 2013

Maura and all - I'm so sorry for your loss. I recall meeting your dad at Bradley's 2nd birthday party - and he was so warm and gracious, and so clearly proud of you. You are in our prayers during this hard time.

Margaret Reams

May 22, 2013

Love and prayers for your family.

Cherie Spillman Livingston

May 22, 2013

Marian, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Mr. Wood lived a fulfilled life with a wonderful family and many accomplishments. Know that I am thinking and praying for you all.

Mark Watts

May 22, 2013

Jim Wood was my son Don's father-in-law, and i knew him from afar and from my many visits to see Don and his family. I knew Jim was a special person from our first meeting and my respect continued to grow as the years passed. He was generous by nature and smart and deeply committed to social justice for all. He dearly loved his family and worked with each of his children and our grandson to help them achieve their goals. He was a fine man who led a worthwhile life, and who added much value to all that he touched. It is my privilege to have been one of those he touched. He will be missed by us all. RIP

James Patterson

May 21, 2013

I'm really sorry to hear of your loss, I know how close your family is. My thoughts are with you.

Barbara Coman

May 21, 2013

I am very sorry to hear this news. Your dad was a kind of silent influence in my life as I grew up across the street. I always respected him as the smartest and most educated man I knew. Every thing you have written is an accurate description of his life. My heart goes out to you and the family in his death. I will miss him.

May 21, 2013

This truly captures the essence of dearest Jim and we will always miss him greatly!

Sheila Power

May 21, 2013

This is a beautiful obituary. Your father was a wonderful man. I am so sorry for your loss.

Gile Beye

May 20, 2013

Maura and family: We are all thinking of you today. And what a great tribute to him you've written.

David Muth

May 20, 2013

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