James C. Woods

Celebration of Life For James Woods affectionately known as Dad, Father-in-Law, Granddad, Pappa Sloppa, Ole man, Tiger Woods and Coot. James was the fifth child born to Thomas Henry Woods and Bertha James. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Marian D. Woods; son James C. Woods Jr.; brothers William, Fred, Cecil, and Daniel Woods; sisters Rebecca Varner and Bertharan Woods. James attended Sylacauga, Alabama school systems. He worked in Birmingham, Alabama laying gas line and building highways. James later moved to Akron, Ohio and was employed at General Tire and Rubber Company working in the maintenance department and mill room. He retired after 30 years of service. During a summer vacation that year, James drove a U-Haul to San Diego, California to help his daughter Renee move. He came back to Akron and took a part-time position in the facility maintenance department, which became full-time at the University of Akron. He retired from the University of Akron after 20 years of service. James and his son-in-law David had a painting business called “In-Law Painters.” They worked together for 31 years. James loved working in his yard, and it was always well-maintained and manicured. He loved the spring when he could plant flowers and vegetable gardens. His gardens consisted of spinach, mustard, turnips, collard greens, green beans, okra, corn, onions, tomatoes, polk salad, bell peppers, hot peppers, and sage. We cannot forget his medicine roots he had for whatever ailment you might have had—a fever, sore throat, etc. At one time, he had three peach trees in his backyard. If he didn’t have enough garden space, he went across the street and planted another garden. He worked from sunrise to sunset. Gardening is what he loved to do. James went to Jerusalem twice in 2002 and 2004 with Benny Hinn Ministries. James always talked about his unique experience when he went to Israel. When he visited the holy land, he was baptized in the Red Sea. It was an experience he said he would never forget! James and Marion were married on December 7, 1953 and of this union three children were born: James C. Woods Jr., Debra Lynne, and Michele Renee. They were married 48 years when Marion passed in 2001. He was a faithful member of United Baptist Church—later moving his membership to Zion Apostolic Faith Church. He loved the Lord, and his desire was to be ready when Jesus called. He would always tell us, “We are living in the last, of the last days. Leaves to cherish his memory children, Debra (David) Jones, of Copley Ohio; Michele Renee Norwood, Murrieta California; stepdaughters, Clarine (Bennett) Borden and Bobbie Alexander, both of Sylacauga, Alabama; brother in law Fred (Joan) Todd of Manteca California; sisters-in-law, Emma Jones, and Yvonne Cowans, all of Akron, Ohio. Many grandchildren and great grandchildren and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.