James J. Wood

James J. “Jim” Wood, age 86, of Washington, Iowa, passed away Friday, February 7, 2025, at Halcyon House in Washington, Iowa. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home with Chaplain Andrew Zuehlke officiating. Visitation will begin 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Interment will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery at a later date. Memorials have been established for Hospice Compassus. Online condolences may be sent for Jim’s family at www.jonesfh.com. Jim was born March 3, 1938, in Ainsworth, Iowa, the son of Earl R. and Wanda (Murphy) Wood. Jim attended school in Ainsworth, Iowa, graduating from high school in 1956. He was united in marriage to Cathryn Jarrard on October 24, 1959, in Washington. Jim and Cathy lived in Ainsworth, Iowa, prior to moving to Washington in 1966. Jim worked with his dad and brothers at Earl R. Wood and Sons from 1955 until 1979. From 1979 until 2005 Jim owned and operated Wood Construction in Washington. He served in the Army National Guard for several years and was the Mayor of Ainsworth. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Washington. Jim was a member of the Washington Masonic Lodge # 26 and the KAABA Shrine. He enjoyed woodworking and traveling to the Ozarks. Jim enjoyed keeping busy by doing projects around the house. He is survived by his wife Cathy Wood of Washington, Iowa; son Mark (Kim) Wood of Washington, Iowa; daughter, Angie (Russ) Barfield of North Port, Florida; son, Matt (Kelly) Wood of Ainsworth, Iowa; six grandchildren: Elijah Wood, Demi (Kirby) Shetler, Emma Wood, Drake Brezina, Samantha Barfield and Alex (Karissa) Barfield; and two great grandchildren, Jayla Shetler and Landon Barfield. He is also survived by his brother, Tim (Maria) Wood of Washington, Iowa; sister, Nancy White of Washington, Iowa; and sister-in-law, Barbara Wood of Washington, as well as many nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Don (Marsha) Jarrard of Charles City, Iowa; and sister-in-law, Connie Jarrard of Washington, Iowa. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and seven siblings; Jean (Harold) Hall, Joan (Leo) Sueppel, Jeanette (Don) Bergman, Frank Wood, Jane Johnson, Mary Putman, and Mike Wood as well as brother-in-law Relden (Kay) Jarrard.

James J. Wood

March 3, 1938 - February 7, 2025