James Howard Wood, 81, of Bedford, died Friday, March 15, 2013 at Oakwood Health & Rehab Center. He was the loving husband of 59 years of Pauline Ann Dooley Wood. He was born in Bedford County, September 16, 1931, a son of the late Charles Ira and Ruby Virginia Rice Wood.
Jim operated a service station at \"The Forks\" from 1956-1993. James was a member of Bedford Baptist Church, past member Lynchburg Elks Lodge, the Has Been Club, and proudly served in the Virginia National Guard, Co. A 116th, with 8 years of service as Motor Pool Sgt. In his spare time, Jim enjoyed restoring antique automobiles.
James was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Mack E. Wood and Charles A. Wood; a brother-in-law, Clarence L. Brookshier; and a sister-in-law, Barbara Wood.
In addition to his wife, James is survived by his daughter, Kristy Wood Milton and husband, Craig; a grandson, Will Milton; four brothers, Raymond Wood (Carrie), Leonard Wood, Maurice H. Wood (Evyleen), Sherman D. Wood (Dorothy); four sisters, Mae Brookshier, Eleanor W. Overstreet, Frances W. Stanley (William), Joyce W. Blankenship (Carl); Sheree W. Wood, sister-in-law; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of James\"™ life will be conducted at 2 PM, Monday, March 18, 2013 at Bedford Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. David L. Henderson officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6-8 PM, Sunday, March 17, 2013 at Bedford Baptist Church and other times at the home of, Kristy & Craig Milton
Memorial contributions may be made to The Big Otter Mill Foundation, Inc., PO Box 294, Bedford, VA 24523 or National D-Day Memorial Foundation, PO Box 77, Bedford, VA 24523.
Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, (540) 586-3443.