Major James G. Woods Sr., US Army (Ret.)

James (Jim) Gleason Woods Sr., age 78, beloved husband, dad and papa, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was born on April 16, 1947, in Louisville, Kentucky, the second of three children born to the late William Woods Sr. and Joyce Gleason.

Jim proudly graduated from the Virginia Military Institute, Class of 1969. That same year, he married the love of his life, Marilyn Woods, whom he met on a blind date at a VMI football game. He always said she was the prettiest girl in her cute, fluffy white hat. Their love story and devotion to one another spanned fifty-five years and together, they raised two children, James and Emily.

Jim served in Vietnam and dedicated 20 years honorably serving his country in the United States Army, retiring with the rank of Major. Following his military career, he and his family made their home in Colorado Springs. He later worked for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and, in the final years of his career, at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Commerce City.

In retirement, Jim embraced his passions for bird hunting, fly fishing, shooting, and driving his Shelby Cobra affectionately known as the Blue Mistress. His many interests included an extensive gun collection, military history, WWII airplane enthusiast, and an avid reader on all subjects related to his hobbies. He enjoyed country music, his Shelby rides through Garden of the Gods, and picnics with his beloved Marilyn. Most of all, he treasured time spent with his family, whether sharing laughs, giving Cobra rides to his children and grandchildren or simply enjoying each other’s company. Known for his sense of humor and infectious laugh, Jim brought joy to everyone around him.

He is preceded in death by his loving parents, William and Joyce Woods and his brother William (Bill) Woods Jr.

Jim’s legacy of love and devotion lives on through his wife, Marilyn Woods (his Mar Sue), children, James (Leslie) Woods of Humble, Texas and Emily (Mike) Gordon of Aspen, Colorado; precious grandchildren, Katelynn and Jacob Woods, Hunter and Cade Gordon, his sister Bonnie Beth (Ken) Newman and his niece Dana Woods-Allen. Each will forever hold his memory close.

A funeral service with full military honors will be held on October 16, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs, CO, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, CO, 80925, where Jim will be laid to rest peacefully.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors' Project or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.