Jack Austin Woodson

Jack Austin Woodson passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Pataskala Oaks Senior Living in Pataskala, Ohio. He was 88. Jack was born on October 5, 1937 in Nelsonville, Ohio to Hope and Grace Woodson. He graduated from high school and attended Ohio University before proudly going off to serve his country in the United States Air Force from 1956 to 1960. Following his military service, he married, became a father and worked various jobs. In the late 1970s, he moved to New York, reuniting with his first wife and three oldest children. He lived with them in Brooklyn for five years before returning home to Columbus, Ohio where he was part of a close-knit family and community. Jack was an avid sports fan, whip-smart about politics and current events, loved a good meal, and had a fantastic sense of humor. He had a way with the very young that at parties and weddings, had them flocking to him. At his tallest, he was well over six feet, had a deep baritone voice and a mid-western twang and way of speaking that often sent his New York children searching for interpretations. He was a sharp dresser, uncannily sure of himself (“You better believe I’m going to Heaven. I mean, not like the other place would have me.”) and deeply generous, showing up always at his children’s and grandchildren’s events no matter what the state of his health and always offering rides to his friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hope and Grace Woodson, his brother, David "Woody" Woodson, his son, Jack A. Woodson, and his sister, Ann Long. Jack is survived by his children, Hope, Odella, Jacqueline, Jay, and Roman Woodson, many grandchildren, his sisters, Ada Woodson Adams, and Alicia Woodson; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In accordance with Jack's wishes, cremation will take place. A memorial service and the burial of his urn will be held at a later date.