JAMES REED WOODY

James Reed Woody, age 83, a resident of Bronaugh, Mo., passed on to his heavenly home on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008, at the Mercy Health Center emergency room. He was born Feb. 8, 1924, in Vernon County, Mo. to Leslie and Mabel Hartzfield Woody. Jim was a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Army in Battery A 273rd Field Artillery in the European Theater. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star. He was discharged in 1945. Upon his return, he married JoAnna Foster on April 19, 1946, in Fort Scott. Jim accepted Christ as his personal Savior when he was 25 years old. He joined Pleasant View Baptist Church in Bronaugh, Mo., where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, song leader and adult Sunday school teacher. He was later ordained as a deacon of the church. he is currently a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Garland, where he served as Sunday school teacher and deacon. Jim was active in his community, serving on the Bronaugh School Board, R7 Rural Water District, Harrison Township Board, and served 25 years on the Vernon County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. He was active with his own farm and ranch operation.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, JoAnna, of the home; three sons, the Rev. Ronald Woody and wife Muriel, Webb City, Mo., Dr. Michael Woody and wife Linda, Carthage, Mo., and James "Marty" Woody and wife Gayle, Bronaugh, Mo; four daughters, Linda Van Sickle and husband Gary, Fort Scott, Gloria Guzman and husband Frank, Lee's Summit, Mo., Cindy Leech and Dedra Montgomery, both of Blue Springs, Mo. Also surviving are 21 grandchildren; one step-granddaughter; 16 great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Willard Everett Woody; four brothers, Bill, Jack, Bob,,and Charles Woody; and four sisters, Helen Loar, Ruth Nickel, Clara Endicott and Mary Titus.

Pastor Rick Womack assisted by the Rev. Ron Woody and Dr. Michael Woody, will conduct funeral services at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Grace Baptist Tabernacle, Fifth and Margrave streets, Fort Scott. Burial will follow in the U.S. National Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post No. 1165, Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Mt. Zion Baptist Church and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of comfort may be e-mailed to condolences@cheneywitt.com.