Obituary – James A. Woodward
James A. Woodward, 86, of Lock Haven, passed away December 22, 2023 in his home, surrounded by his loved ones.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Rawls Woodward and Mary Alexander Adams Woodward and a sister, Sue Eggleston Woodward of Suffolk, VA.
Jim is survived by his wife of 46 years, Gaile “Sunny” Woodward; four sons, Richard K. Woodward of Edinburgh, Scotland, Reid E. (Susan) Woodward of Hammonton, NJ, John E. Woodward of Lock Haven, and David T. Woodward of Athens, AL; two other-sons, Russ (Carla) Gardner of Le Mars, IA and Joseph W. (Jodi) Gardner of Lock Haven; a sister, Mary Rawls Woodward Magee of Suffolk, VA; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Diane and Lynford Clark of Hopewell; four grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Born in Suffolk, VA in 1937, Jim grew up in Suffolk and in 1955 he graduated from Suffolk High School. Upon graduation, he attended Virginia Military Institute for a year-and-a-half. He then transferred to North Carolina State University where he earned a his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and mathematics, and later a master’s degree in mathematics.
Accepted into the University of Freiburg’s doctoral program in mathematics, Jim admittedly struggled with the German language, eventually leaving the university after a year to accept a job with Siemens Corp. in Munich, as an engineer. For a year, he worked for the computer and electronics business – one of the largest companies in Europe.
When Jim’s older sister, Sue, died in 1965, he returned from Germany to live in Suffolk. He married his first wife, Evelyn, and accepted a job at the University of Georgia. After four years in Georgia, Jim accepted a job at Lock Haven University where he taught mathematics, as an Associate Professor, until he retired in 1996.
In 1977, Jim married his second wife, Sunny. Together they reared six boys in Lock Haven. Jim was very proud of “his boys!” Jim and Sunny enjoyed being with their family, traveling and vacations at the beach.
In 1989, Jim and Sunny, son Joseph and six LHU students, spent a semester as part of an LHU faculty/student exchange in Lublin, Poland at the Marie Curie Skoldowaska University. In June 1989, they witnessed the first free elections in Poliand in forty years – communism was voted out! They had the privilege of meeting Lech Waleska, the soon-to-be President of Poland, in Gdańsk. It was an amazing experience for all of them.
In the 1990s, Jim got involved with computers. It all started with a little Tandy computer from Radio Shack! Jim taught himself to use and program computers. Soon, he was building PCs for himself and friends. Some of Jim’s programs were published in computer magazines. From 1990-1995, Jim ran his own computer bulletin board. As computer parts became cheaper, Jim only built computers for himself and family. He said it was cheaper to buy a computer than for him to build one!
Jim’s hobbies included riding his bike. He often rode over 6000 miles a year. He rode his bike from Lock Haven to Wellsboro, on the Rails-to-Trails bike trail, five different times in his 70s. He was easily recognizable by the red suspenders he wore!
Jim was also an avid gardener. He created a unique support structure for tomatoes and bell peppers. The family thought he should patent it! He loved growing and eating his own tomatoes.
Jim shot pool for various bars and clubs in the Lock Haven and Jersey Shore pool leagues for over thirty years. He was a life member of the BPOElks, a member of the Eagles Club, social member of the American Legion, Castanea Fire Hall and 40&8 Club.
He had a crazy love for country music – it was played daily in the house! His favorite artists were Merle Haggard and John Prince. Jim also had a wonderful sense of humor and a very dry and quick wit!
The family will have a private celebration of Jim’s life at their convenience.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, a small donation in Jim’s name be given to the Clinton County SPCA.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Donald G. Walker Funeral Home, Inc., 231 High St., Flemington, PA 17745.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.donaldwalkerfuneralhome.com
