James (Joe) A. Wood of Powellton, WV, went home to be with the Lord on August 16, 2009.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Elizabeth (Lib), parents Walter Hugh and Rhoda of Mt. Carbon, and11 siblings.
He is survived by his children, James A. (Skip) Wood Jr. and wife Cindy Farley of Columbus, Ohio, Mitchell L. Wood and wife Nance of Montgomery, WV, Shanda R. Wood-Dunn and husband Michael of Charlotte, NC and Barbara L. Wood of Atlanta, GA. He was loved and adored by his 7 grand-children and his 7 great-grand-children.
James was a veteran of World War II / 101st Airborne Division / 502 Parachute Infantry / H Company. He proudly served as a “Screaming Eagle” Paratrooper in the D-Day invasion at Normandy and three other major campaigns of World War II. He was awarded 3 Purple Hearts for wounds received in these battles in addition to other citations of honor.
He was a member of the VFW and The American Legion in Fayetteville, WV, Post 149. Prior to enlistment into the military, he was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corp at Camp Lee at Cliff Top, WV, participated in the building Hawk’s Nest State Park and Babcock State Park.
He was a retired electrician/welder from U.S. Steel Mining Co., No. 9 Mines, in Cabin Creek, WV, and a long-time member of the UMWA, Local 17. In previous years, he was employed at Winifred, Copperston, and Riverton.
He will be greatly missed by his children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren. He inspired everyone who knew and loved him.
Friends and family will be received at O’Dell Funeral Home on Thursday, August 20, 2009, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Service will be held Friday, August 21, 2009, 1 p.m., at O’Dell Funeral Home with the Rev. Joe Darlington officiating. Burial will follow at Montgomery Memorial Park, London, WV. Expressions of sympathy can be sent at www.odellfuneralhome.com