James Wood Jr

James Wood Jr., 92, of Wausau, formerly of Merrill and Rothschild, passed away Friday, June 26, 2015, at Colonial Manor in Wausau, after a long journey with Alzheimer's disease.
He was born November 19, 1922 in Wausau, son of the late James and Viola (Laffin) Wood Sr. Jim received his education in Wausau graduating in 1940. At the conclusion of World War II he entered the United States Army, receiving his honorable discharge in 1947. He returned to school at the Central State Teaching College in Stevens Point obtaining his teaching degree in 1950. Later Jim earned a masters degree from UW-Madison.
On June 10, 1950, he was united in marriage to Florence Hackbart in Wausau. Jim began his teaching career in a one-room school in the Town of Easton and then worked for the DC Everest school district. Jim served as Principal of the Rothschild Elementary School until 1962 when he took a principal's position in Green Bay. In 1966 Jim and his family moved to Merrill where he was the Director of Elementary Education and in other administrative positions until his retirement in 1985. While living in Merrill, Jim was an active member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church. In 2000 Jim and Florence moved to Rothschild and joined Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Jim enjoyed singing bass in the church choirs and served on church councils.
In retirement, Jim and Florence traveled widely, visiting Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia, Spain, Turkey, Egypt, and Israel. Jim volunteered regularly as a tax preparer for the elderly. He especially loved woodworking and built desks, cabinets, and picture frames. He made intricate fretwork clocks and crucifixes. Many relatives and friends were recipients of Jim's handiwork.
Jim had a unique sense of humor and was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand.
Jim is survived by his wife Florence of Weston, two daughters, Carla (Michael) Hoersch of Weston and Lisa (Russell) Deatherage of Tustin, CA, a son Jay (Elizabeth Moore) Wood of Kalamazoo, MI, seven grandchildren, one great grandchild, a brother Guy Wood of Weston and a sister Betty Kettunen of Wausau.
He was preceded in death by two brothers Kenneth and Roger.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 2, 2015, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1901 Kowalski Road, Kronenwetter, with Pastor Sharon Fox Bogen officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Entombment will be in the Restlawn Chapel Mausoleum.
The family thanks the staffs of Our House Memory Care and Colonial Manor for the wonderful care and attention they gave to Jim.
You may sign our online guestbook at www.helke.com