James F. Woodruff

James F. Woodruff, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and treasured friend, passed away on March 18, 2018, at the age of 89. James was born January 18, 1929, in Paris, Texas to Susie Belle Dollar Woodruff and Samuel Emmett Woodruff. His Father died at an early age so his Mother moved the family of 5 children to Dallas, Texas when James was 10 years old. After graduating, James served in the National Guard for several years before becoming a Draftsman for Phillips Petroleum. He married Mary Joyce Weinberg in 1958 and soon became a part owner in the family business, Emmett’s Seafood Company, a wholesale seafood business located in Houston, Texas. When James retired, he and Mary Joyce traveled extensively. He also resumed his passion for golf and spent many hours perfecting his golf game. He would not brag about his golf game but his golf game would rival the pros, although he refused to go on tour as a professional. James’ talents did not end there. He also could play the piano “by ear” although he never took music lessons. James was a true gentleman and had a great sense of humor. He was fondly nicknamed by family and friends as Jim, Jimmy, Woody and Uncle Bud. He was also a loyal friend. He remained friends with his childhood friends until he passed away.

James is preceded in death by his parents, Susie and Emmett Woodruff, his 3 brothers, Wando Woodruff, Marshall Woodruff, Stanley Woodruff, his sister, Bess Gilbert and his wife, whom he absolutely adored, Mary Joyce Woodruff.

James is survived by his daughter, Suzanne Partin, and spouse, Jeff Partin, his granddaughter, Christie Besse, and spouse Paul Besse, and his two great grandchildren, Isaac Paul Besse and Coralyn Joyce Besse, his brother in law’s Richard Weinberg and Benny Finch, sister in law Jerry Woodruff and numerous nieces and nephews.