James (Jim) Woods of St. Pete Beach, Florida passed away on Tuesday, June 6th after a short illness, a month after a two-week cruise with the love of his life, Lee Woods. Born in Bergen County, New Jersey in 1942 to Marion and Joseph Woods, he spent the next 73 years of his life in Dumont before retiring to the Florida gulf coast in 2015 and never regretting it for a single second. Whenever loved ones called, he always noted the temperature and the sunshine.
Jim served in the National Guard and then spent twenty years working for the Dumont Police Department. He also opened a real estate and construction business. During that time, Jim met and married Lee in 1978, a package that included three kids, ages 9, 14, and 15, Lee’s elderly parents and a dog. He loved them all dearly. For most of his career he worked two jobs to put the kids through college and provide a home for Lee’s parents. As the kids grew up, his own home quickly filled with grandchildren who slept in his recliner and bounced on his couch and ate from his snack cabinet. A devoted Republican who fiercely watched the market, he was known for his sincere and abiding love of Pepsi, his hot tub, flip flops, and any money Lee lost in a casino.
He always made family a priority, taking his grandchildren on summer vacations from California to the Caribbean, which always ended by the pool or around the dinner table, where he inevitably found a well-buttered dinner roll and shrimp cocktail. He was known for his sense of humor, as well as his love for Lee, which was foundational and a template for everyone in the family.
He is survived by his wife, Lee Woods, three children, Karen Barwick and her partner Peter Askes, Joseph Steele and his wife Colleen, and Stephen Steele, five grandchildren, Ryan Barwick and fiancé Christine Petrosky, Brennan James Barwick, Caroline Weaver and her husband John, Stephanie Steele, Allison Steele, and a great-granddaughter, Virginia Weaver, who was born on his birthday. He was also survived by his brother, Rev. Joseph Woods, and nieces Laura and Linda Woods and their four children.
"In lieu of flowers the family welcomes donations to Suncoast Hospice Mid Pinellas in appreciation for the loving care given to Jim and his family in his final days."
A visitation will be held at Beach Memorial Chapel (301 Corey Ave., St Pete Beach, FL 33706) Saturday June 10th, 2023 12noon until time of funeral service 2:00pm.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.beachmemorial.com for the Woods family.
