Jimmy Lee Wood, age 84, of Wellston, passed away Nov. 30, 2018, at his home. He was born Jan. 27, 1934 in Wilkesville, Ohio to the late James Andrew Wood and Doris Edminson Wood.
Jim was a 1952 graduate of Wilkesville High School, then later obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Rio Grande College and a Master’s Degree in School Administration from Ohio University. Jim was an educator who served in the Wellston City Schools for over 35 years. His career started as an elementary teacher for grades 5 through 8 at Harvey Wells Elementary, then as the first principal at Bundy Elementary, and finally as principal of Coalton Elementary. Following his retirement, he continued to substitute as a teacher and principal in the Wellston City School District.
Jim was a veteran of the United States Army. He was a member of the Hope United Methodist Church in Wellston, where he and his wife, Doris, organized and continued to serve the community free dinners at Hope Church. Jim was currently the treasurer for the Jackson County Board on Aging. He was a member of the Wellston Senior Citizens, where he was honored as being named Senior Citizen King in 2010, and a member of the Wilkesville Alumni Association. He was a former member of the Wellston Rotary Club and enjoyed participating in the annual Wellston Rotary Minstrel Show.
Jim was past manager of the Wellston City Pool; past queen’s chaperone and board member of the Wellston Ohillco Festival for several years; a former coach and referee; and is credited for starting the varsity academic letter program at Wellston High School. In his spare time, Jim loved fishing, hunting, dancing and playing cards.
Jim carried on his father’s tradition of making fishing worms, known as Wood’s Worms. The worms were sought after all over Southern Ohio. He always looked forward to hosting their annual yard party; his home was always opened to anyone.
Jim never met a stranger. His witty and ornery personality was enjoyed by all.
Jim is survived by his wife, Doris L. Camp Wood; son and daughter-in-law, Terry A. and Margaret Wood of Jackson; daughter and son-in-law, Gwen and Jim Thomas of Chillicothe; grandchildren, Bethany Ann Wood Fruehling (Brighton), Madison Harper (Cade), and Benjamin Thomas; great-grandson, Woodrow “Woody” Fruehling; step-children, Diane Downard (Jim) of Jackson, Jane Sprinkles of Wellston; Cindy Saltsman of Wellston, Kathy Ross (Scott) of Hamden and David Riley (Kathy) of Grove City; step-grandchildren, Keith Saltsman, Ryan Bethel, Matthew Riley, Timothy Riley, Christopher Riley, Taylor Ann Riley, Tyler Riley and Josh Riley; step-great-grandchildren, Abby Riley and Oliver Riley; as well as Jim’s best friend, Meow Meow, the cat.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Grace Wood; and his son, Kerry Lee Wood.
Calling hours will be Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Funeral service will be Friday at 11 a.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Jones officiating. Burial, with military honors, will be in the Ridgewood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate contributions be given to the Jimmy Lee Wood Memorial Scholarship, c/o Wellston City School, 1 East Broadway, Wellston Ohio 45692. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com