James Wood, Veteran And Traveler, Passes Away At 89

By OBSERVER NewsroomA man known to follow his heart, James Wood loved to travel and did so well into his “golden years.”God stamped the local veteran’s passport upon his Oct. 2 passing. Wood was 89.James Matthew Wood was born to Robert and Essie Wood in Lawrence, Kansas, on June 8, 1935. He later was joined by five sisters: twins Clarice and Maerice, Barbara, Emma Jean, and Delcie.The family moved to Vancouver, Washington, where Robert Wood worked in the shipyard during World War II. Wood attended church with his family and faithfully participated in Sunday School and the Baptist Young People’s Union. The Woods moved to Portland, Oregon, where Jimmie attended high school, playing football and running track. He attended college for a year before joining the Air Force. There, he became an air policeman and later an administrative clerk. He served in British Columbia, Canada, Arizona, and California.During his travels in California, he met and married Johnnie L. Taylor (deceased) in San Jose where they lived and raised their children James Jr. (deceased), Sheryl, Jackie, Bernetta, and Joseph. There are numerous loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson because of this union.Wood worked for the Postal Service for 25 years and...