James Roger Woodward

James Roger Woodward passed away peacefully at his home on December 22, 2018, at the age of 92. Jim was born in La Jolla on May 23, 1926, to Ruth Elizabeth Rogers and Maurice Campbell Woodward. He was raised in Pacific Beach and Lakeside, and graduated from Grossmont High School in 1944. Jim was a B-29 Gunnery Sergeant in the Army Air Corps during WWII and, after the war, he earned a Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering from Northrop Aeronautical Institute (1949, Honors) and Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering Degrees from SDSU (BS in 1951 and MS in 1964). He was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Jim’s professional career was with Solar Turbines and Rohr, where he worked in materials research and had 17 patents in his name relating to high-temperature bonding, brazing, and the “Honeycomb Sandwich.” One of his notable accomplishments was overseeing the development of certain technologies used in the nuclear-powered data stations put on the moon by Apollo missions. After retiring in 1992, Jim volunteered for the San Diego Air and Space Museum (20+ years), San Diego Police Department RSVP Northern Division (14 years), Birch Aquarium (4 years), Airport Travelers Aid (6 years), and Torrey Pines Golf Tournament (10 years).

Jim often called himself a lucky dude because of his rewarding career and long, full life. With his can-do attitude, willingness to help, and terrific sense of humor, he was a dear friend to many and a wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved a good party, and especially liked dancing to big band music and singing with his barbershop group. He often walked along the La Jolla coast, soaking in the sun and admiring the pelicans. An avid sports enthusiast, Jim followed football, golf, tennis, and NASCAR. Brunch was his favorite meal, and for years he brought family and friends together over scrambled eggs and French toast. Jim’s family will lovingly continue his fun traditions of ordering personalized pens to celebrate special events and providing a “junk box” every Christmas.

Jim married three times. With his first wife, Lucy Thatcher, he had two daughters and, although he and Lucy divorced after 21 years, they kept in touch and remained good friends. With his second wife, Adelaide Pearce, Jim gained three step-daughters and enjoyed 34 years of marriage until her death. Jim then married Mary Jo Deavenport, a family friend for over 50 years, and enjoyed five years of marriage until her death. Dr. Peggy Duncan was Jim’s beloved companion for his remaining years.

Jim is survived by his daughters Wendy Woodward and Debbie Woodward (John) and step-daughters Amy Malysz (Marty), Josephine McCullough (Mike), and Ebe Bower (Don). He has six grandchildren–Tenille, Brandy, Michael, Kelley, Kenny and Anna–and five great-grandchildren. All adored him.

Jim’s cremated remains will be placed at the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery next to his father, a WWI veteran. A celebration of life will be held at Casa de Mañana on February 9 at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim’s memory to the San Diego Audubon Society’s Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary, a nature preserve in Lakeside with which Jim had a life-long personal affiliation. Donations may be sent to: San Diego Audubon Society, 4010 Morena Blvd, St 100, San Diego, CA 92117.