NORWICH – I. James “Jim” Woodard, 53, of Reservoir Hill Road, Norwich, passed away on July 4, 2006, in University Hospital of Syracuse.
Born in Indian Town Gap, Pa., on April 4, 1953, Jim was the son of Ivan and Wanetta (Daniels) Woodard. His family moved to Chenango County and Jim attended school in Norwich, where he participated in high school wrestling and football. He graduated from Norwich High in 1972, then immediately began his 34-year career with Norwich Eaton Pharmaceuticals and its successor, OSG, where he was currently working as an HVAC technician. Jim was a man with a hearty laugh and a smile that would make you smile. On April 27, 1974, in Norwich, Jim married Pat Welch. Jim and Patty enjoyed the years spent watching their son Jimmy’s swimming, wrestling, or track activities. Jim loved camping, fishing, hunting and just being outdoors. With the help of his son, wife, and friends, Jim had completely restored a 1969 Dodge Dart which he had pulled from a farmer’s field. He was looking forward to going to the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals in Carlisle, Pa., in July, and had a great love for NASCAR which he shared with sister-in-law Barbara White, who had passed away in 2002. Jim and his family always enjoyed cookouts and bonfires with neighbors Bob, Sue and Brooke, and liked going to church suppers and eating at Eicke’s Restaurant.
Jim was a life-long devotee of the Boy Scouts. Beginning at the age of 9, as a member of Troop 62 through the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, he worked his way up through the various levels, attaining the rank of Life. As an adult, he devoted much time to Troop 62, serving most recently as Scoutmaster from 1998-2006. Jim was very proud that his son. Jimmy, was awarded the Eagle Scout Award in 2004. They had traveled to the 2001 National Scout Jamboree in Fort AP Hill, Va. where Jim was Scoutmaster for Baden Powell Council, and also attended the National Jamboree in 2005.
Formerly active in the Plymouth volunteer fire department, Jim had also served for numerous years as the secretary/treasurer for the South Plymouth Cemetery Association. He had been a commissioner for Plymouth’s Foster Park, and was on the Board of Commissioners for the Plymouth Fire Department.
Jim is survived by his wife of 32 years, Pat Woodard; his son, James Woodard; and his mother, Wanetta Woodard, all of Norwich; by his brothers and their spouses: Gary and Carrie Woodard of Fairbanks, Ark.; Timothy and Teresa Woodard, Terry and Terri Ann Woodard, and Patrick and Joann Woodard, all of Norwich; and by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services for Jim will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday from the Emmanuel Episcopal Church. The Rev. Glenn Mahaffey, rector, will officiate, with interment to follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m.
Jim’s family has asked that memorial contributions be sent to Troop 62, c/o Emmanuel Episcopal Church, P. 0. Box 203, Norwich, NY 13815.