ROCKY MOUNT - James Allen Wood, Jr. died on January 4, 2013 after a short and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born September 11, 1942 in Winston-Salem NC to James Allen and Nellie Cranfill Wood. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Shelby Wood Sink.
Jim graduated from Hanes High School, attended Wake Forest University, served in the U.S. Army, and earned a masters degree in trust administration from Northwestern University. He began his career in banking at Wachovia Bank in Winston-Salem. In 1975, Jim and his wife, Kathy, moved to Rocky Mount where he joined Peoples Bank which later became Centura Bank from which he retired in 1996 as a Vice-President and Trust Officer. He served on the Board of the Outer Banks Community Foundation, was appointed for a term to the N.C. Governors Council on the Arts and Humanities, and was Chairman of the Board of the Rocky Mount Chapter of the American Red Cross for two terms. Jim was a prolific self-taught artist. It was his passion and he painted every day. His works are in the collections of many banks and other corporations, and on the cover of Tar Heel Banker and Ducks Unlimited magazines. One of his great pleasures in life was giving paintings to friends and people in need, as well as donating to favorite non-profit organizations. Jim had very high standards in all things, but also loved a good joke.
Jim is survived by his wife of 39 years, Kathy Lawson Wood; a sister, Carlene Wood Ramsey (James); a daughter, Dawn Wood Sechrest (Tim), both of Winston-Salem; a son, Shane Alan Wood of Kannapolis; three grandchildren, Elizabeth Grayson Sechrest, William Harrison Sechrest and Anna Juan Wood; two nieces, Amanda Sink Hipp (Benny) and Julie Ramsey Blink (Earl); their children; and a sister-in-law, Virginia Lawson Terry.
The family would like to thank Dr. Dan Crocker as well as Dr. Doug Boyette and the staff of Nash General Hospice, their church family and many neighbors and friends who cared for them during and after Jims illness. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Church of the Good Shepherd Altar Guild Fund, Nash General Hospice or Animal Crackers.
A service of Christian burial will be held Sunday, January 6, 2013 at Jims beloved church, The Church of the Good Shepherd, at 2:30pm followed by a Committal Service in the Columbarium and a reception in the Parish Hall.
Now, go in peace to love and serve our Lord.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Service
Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church
231 N. Church Street
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Sunday 1/6, 2:30 pm
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
To Kat.. Peace, & Joy 2 U,, Knowing that Ur Jimbo Is In the Kingdom, To Which, U all, Will Meet again. Yes,, Jim Always had a Joke 2 tell us,, But 1 time, He was In the church, & I Just happened 2 Be Cleaning It, & I Asked him , about the stain Glass. He told me all the meaning behind each 1. & When I asked him a bout Moses Having those look a like Horne’s, Coming out of His Head. Well,, He made a Funny!! & He Taught me a lot bout the Church. God Speed 2 Ur Heart,Life, & Will…… 2 Tarry On. U Will Be alright,, Just Trust In the Lord With ALL Ur Heart. & Lean Not, On Ur Own Understanding. 3 U Mrs.Jimmy Woods. Ur Friend & Family .. Lora B. o))
Kathy and family, My deepest sympathy as you endure the loss of Jim, a great person and former fellow member of the North Banks Rotary Club while on the Outer Banks. Also, a feIlow Banker (but in different Banks) I always admired Jim’s business ethics and professionalism and his work passion, loyal to his craft. I am so thankful that my wife and I ran into you two in Rocky Mount a couple of years ago and we enjoyed our brief visit at The Mayflower. God’s speed and strength to you in the days ahead. Jack Crawford
I am so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a wonderful artist and friend and I am sad that I did not know he was not doing well. My prayers are with you and your family for healing. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. Jan Mullen
Kathy, My thoughts & prayers are with you. Jim was a special man & he possessed the SPECIAL talent to understand people & to keep his opinions to himself. i enjoyed our association through the Outer Banks Community Foundation. He did an awful lot for the OBX in a very subtle but effective fashion. I am fortunate to have been the recipient of numerous of his paintings. I think of Jim & you everytime I look @ one of the Outer Banks scenes. He was a kind & gentle man & he left an impact. I cherish our associations, our relationship & our friendship. Mike Kelly
Kathy, I am so saddened to hear of Jims illness and passing. Jim was such a special man and was such a positive influence in my life. He was a gentle and giving soul, and made such an impact on his community and those that were fortunate enough to spend time with him. His strong sense of ethics and his gentle and genuine love for people stand out in my mind, and I could not have asked for a better role model as I was coming along in my career. I am so grateful to Jim and to you for making me feel so welcome when I first moved to Rocky Mount, and to Jim for teaching me the business I know I would not be where I am today were it not for his guidance and wise counsel. He not only was my mentor but my friend, and I cherish the times we spent together. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to see him recently when he presented his painting in honor of David Stick to the Outer Banks Community Foundation. I can only aspire to be more like Jim, and I hope you find comfort in the lives he touched and in how many people loved him. Kathy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Sharon Elliott
As we make our journey throu this life, death is our final stop. The Bible gives us comfort in our time of grief. Even the perfect man, Jesus Christ, Gave way to tears. So greatly grieved was he over the death of his friend, Lazarous.(John1135) Jesus said I am the resurrection, & the life.(John1125) What a wonderful gift we have been givin, to have the hope of seening our loved ones once again.