James Robert Woodfin

James Robert Woodfin, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Richmond, Texas on December 4th, 2019, surrounded by his loving family and close friends. “Andad”, as he was called by his 4 beautiful granddaughters, was a kind, gentle, loving grandfather, father, and husband. He was married for 58 years, to the love of his life, Bobbie Sue Smith. James was born on March 7th, 1936 in Patroon, Texas and was the son of Roy and Bettie Woodfin.

During his youth, James was reared in a hard-working family, where his days started early in the morning milking cows, tending to the family farm, and delivering groceries in Patroon, Texas. After graduating from Shelbyville High School in 1954, he attended Stephen F. Austin State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in History and a minor in English.

He began his career at Mauriceville ISD teaching high school English before moving on to Nederland ISD to teach 6th grade. During this time, he met his future bride Bobbie Sue Smith on a blind date. Together, they worked as teachers during the day and traveled back to Stephen F. Austin in the evenings where they both earned their Master’s degrees in Education. In 1964, James spent 4 years in the Hull-Daisetta ISD in his first principal role. In 1968, James and Bobbie moved to Houston where he assumed the position of principal in Alief ISD at Alief Elementary and then the newly opened Boone Elementary. In 1978, James assumed the role of Principal and Elementary Schools Coordinator for Fort Bend ISD. The highlight of his career began in 1982, while working with the wonderful people of the City of Stafford. Taking dual roles as Principal and Director of Curriculum, James worked with the administration and faculty to turn a small one room warehouse and classroom facility on Cash Road into the building of a beautiful campus that is now Stafford MSD. After two years as Assistant Superintendent, James achieved his ultimate goal in 1986 when he was named Superintendent of Schools for Stafford MSD, a title he held for 6 years. He retired from Stafford MSD, as Superintendent, after handing his daughter her diploma in 1992. James spent over 35 years in education as a teacher, principal, and superintendent of schools, touching the lives of thousands of children. Unable to sit still for very long, he went back to work in 1992 as the Director of Media for Region IV. He retired for the final time in 2007, closing a career that spanned close to over 50 years.

James spent the next 12 years traveling with his wife, spending time with family, and playing a pivotal role in the lives of his granddaughters. He was a dedicated and faithful member of St. John’s Methodist Church in Richmond, Texas. His most valued relationships have come from the bonds created by his Sojourners Sunday School class. The love and support received by these wonderful people will forever be remembered by his family. James also spent 15 years as the President of the Patroon Cemetery Committee leading to the improvements of the home where he will be finally laid to rest.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to all the men and women of Silverado Hospice and Home Care Assistance of Houston (formerly Silverado At Home) for their kindness, compassion, and incredible care over the last 2 years. You have been a true blessing to the family.

James Robert Woodfin was preceded in death by his father Roy Woodfin and his mother Bettie (Tillman) Woodfin. He is survived by his wife Bobbie Sue (Smith) Woodfin, his son James Roy Woodfin, daughter-in-law Beth (Pharr) Woodfin, daughter Jill Ann Nehls, son-in-law Sheriff Troy Nehls, his sister Jane Ann Kendrick of Nacogdoches, his nieces Karla (Kendrick) Anders and Karen (Kendrick) Harris, and his 4 granddaughters Jenna Broxson, Cambry Broxson, Tori Nehls, and Chloe Woodfin.

Visitation will be on Sunday, December 8th from 3-6 pm at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home at 12555 S. Kirkwood, Stafford, Texas 77477. Funeral services will be on Monday December 9th, 10 am, at Faith United Methodist Church in Richmond, Texas. Graveside services will be at the Patroon Cemetery in Patroon, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to one of the following:

The James Robert Woodfin Scholarship Fund

Merrill Lynch

5775 N. Sam Houston Parkway W

Suite 300

Houston, TX 77086

Patroon Cemetery

Virginia Wilburn

18853 State Hwy 87 South

San Augustine, TX 75972