James Raymond Wood Jr., age 79, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on October 14, 2026, in Whitehall, Michigan. Jim was born on July 16, 1947, in Flint, Michigan, and was the eldest son of James R. Wood Sr. and Anne (Allbrooks) Wood.

Jim graduated from Flint Northwestern High School and proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968. He earned his master’s degree from Central Michigan University. Jim dedicated over three decades of his life to Muskegon County as the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation.

In August of 1968, fresh out of the service, Jim met Gail Champine at Lake George, MI, and they began writing letters to one another (those letters will always hold a special place in Gail’s heart) until they were married on June 28, 1969. Together they shared 57 loving years traveling across the country, wine tasting, camping, sightseeing, taking casino trips, and annual trips to the Upper Peninsula. Jim was a very loving and devoted husband to Gail.

Jim had a great love for the Upper Peninsula beginning with his family’s trip across the Mackinaw Bridge when it opened in 1957. So began his many adventures across that bridge with friends (there’s a story there involving a ‘57 Chevy) and family.

An avid outdoorsman, Jim spent his free time camping, fishing, and hunting, passing down his deep passion for nature to his family. He loved to fly fish and hunt with his friends, and he especially enjoyed duck hunting with them. There were lots of stories to be told about those times and Jim sure enjoyed telling a good story. He enjoyed the solitude of nature. Jim was a self-taught artist whose oil painting of Cathedral Rock in Sedona AZ at age 15 was a very proud accomplishment. He continued to paint nature pictures into adulthood. Additionally, he treasured the camaraderie of regular golf outings with childhood friends. He also enjoyed gatherings with family and friends and taking annual trips together.

Above all, Jim was a family man who found his greatest joy in being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He cherished being with his grandson, Wyatt, (who spent so much time at Pioneer Park with grandpa that he was awarded "Junior Park Ranger") and was deeply happy to welcome his great-grandson, Crew.

Jim was blessed to spend the last weeks of his life surrounded by the ones he loved the most, his daughter Colleen spent every night by his side. Her level of patience and compassion made all the difference and we know dad is grateful for that time with you. He loved his family and was blessed to have not only his wife, but daughter, son-in-law, and grandson all by his side until the very end.

Jim is survived: by his loving wife, Gail E. Wood; his daughter, Colleen A. (Chris) Cribley; his grandson, Wyatt J. Cribley, his fiancée Melanie, and their expected little one; his great-grandson, Crew J. Cribley; his brother, Eugene (Donna) Wood; and his brother-in-law, Charlie Winarchick, mother- in- law June Champine.

Jim was preceded in death by: his parents; his sister, Barbara Winarchick; and father-in-law, Glen Champine.

In accordance with his wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held next spring with details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Jim may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank the ICU staff at Trinity Hospital in Muskegon and Corewell Hospice for their care and compassion during the last few weeks of Jim’s life.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com