Obituary of James E. Wood

OSWEGATCHIE – James "Jim" E. Wood, age 90, formerly of Oswegatchie, passed away on March 24, 2024 at his daughter's home after a valiant and determined battle with lung cancer. Calling hours will be held at French Funeral Home in Edwards on Monday, April 1, 2024 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. with his funeral service following at 3:00 p.m. Burial will be private in Fairview Cemetery in Edwards. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. Jim was born in Edwards on April 15, 1933 to the late John E. and Ethel I. (Whitford) Wood. He graduated from Edwards Central School then served in the United States Navy from June 29, 1951 until May 4, 1955. Jim served at Naval Station USNTC Great Lakes, IL, on USS Currituck AV-7, USS Diamondhead AE-19, and RECSTA NORVA, and served in the Naval Reserve until his honorable discharge on June 28, 1959. He married Elizabeth "Betty" Gardner on July 21, 1956 in the Wanakena Presbyterian Church. Betty passed away on June 1, 2007. Jim had worked for the Newton Falls Paper Mill for 39 years before retiring as a Super Calendar Operator. Jim loved time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He didn't like to sit idle, so enjoyed playing board games and running the roads going for car rides. He is survived by his children, Laurie (John) Ashcroft, Brian (Melanie) Wood, Tiffany Swinyer, and Kevin (Jamie) Wood, and siblings, Bev (John) Towne, Roland (Rita) Wood, Ronnie (Paula) Wood, and Gary (Anna Mae) Wood. He is also survived by his companion, Arlene "Nin" Grau, 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Jim is predeceased by his wife, Betty, a son, Shawn Jay Wood, siblings, Donald Wood, Sr., John Wood, and Janice Brown, 2 grandsons, Justin Valentine and Erik Swinyer, and son-in-law, Ron Swinyer. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jim may be made to a charity of your choice or Hospice of Jefferson County.