Mr. James W. Woodard Jr.

It is with sorrowful hearts, but joyful spirits, that we share with you the passing of James Walker “J.W.” Woodard, Jr., 92, of Terry, Mississippi. The beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, March 30th. Visitation will be held at Chancellor Funeral Home, Byram, Mississippi, on Monday, April 2ndfrom 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesday, April 3rd, starting at 10 a.m. until the service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Lakewood Memorial Park on Clinton Boulevard, Jackson, following the service. Mr. Woodard was born in Townsend, Georgia, to James and Lula Mae Woodard and grew up in Greene County, Mississippi. He was a resident of the Jackson area for sixty-five years. During his long time at Wynndale Presbyterian Church, he served as Ruling Elder and Elder Emeritus. Mr. Woodard also enjoyed his time as a member of First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Mississippi. "Pappaw," as he was called by his grandchildren, was a World War II Navy Veteran. After graduating from Mississippi State University, he worked as a civil engineer with United Gas Pipe Line Company. He retired from United Gas after thirty-four years as Senior Civil Engineer. In retirement, he enjoyed his time spent woodworking, farming, hunting, fishing, and reading. Mr. Woodard enjoyed teaching his grandchildren the fine arts of fishing and farming. He was a firm, but loving mentor and caretaker. He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Lula Mae Woodard; sisters, Elizabeth Jackson and Vivian Eubanks, all of Greene County, Mississippi. Mr. Woodard is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Beatrice Page Woodard; son, Roland (Shannon) Woodard of Florence; daughters Louanne (Bobby) Langston of Raymond, Phyllis (Ken) Seawright of Brandon, and Yvonne (Mark) Jicka of Jackson; six grandchildren and one great grandchild. The family mourns the loss of their father and grandfather. He was part of “the greatest generation" about which Tom Brokaw wrote. He also had a mischievous nature and clever wit. On this Easter weekend, they grieve his passing, but celebrate that he will be with the Lord, his and their Savior, when this Easter Sunday comes. They are saddened by this loss, but celebrate Pappaw’s ultimate healing and happiness in heaven above. The family appreciates the messages, letters, and phone calls they have received during this time. The family is especially grateful to the kind staff of Hospice Ministries. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to French Camp Academy or a charity of your choice. An online guest book available at www.chancellorfuneralhome.com.