James William Woodford

James William Woodford, age 84, of Philippi, WV, passed peacefully on Sunday September 1, 2024, at Mon Health Medical Center with loving family by his side. Born on January 15, 1940, he was the son of the late William Howe and Evelyn Glenn (Ware) Woodford. He is survived by his wife, Donnie Marlene Woodford. They would have celebrated their 30th anniversary in October. He was a loving father to two sons, David (Mary) and Bill (Laura) Woodford and one daughter, Jami (Brian) Simon, two stepdaughters, Violet (Pat) Shaw and Donna (Peggy) Behan and two stepsons Scott (Shelia) Wright and Greg (Judy) Behan. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Mary Kay Hester and special family friend Ronda Cross. He was blessed with seven grandchildren Drew (Ally) Woodford, Megan (Paul) Conteh, Katie Woodford, Carrie Woodford, Jackie Woodford, Ethan Simon, and Ella Simon, as well as twelve step-grandchildren Nathaniel (Kelly) Wright, Kaitlyn (Chris) Wright, JC Musgrave, Drew Musgrave, Zach Musgrave, Maia Behan, Luna Behan, Stefanie (Shane) Lipps, Stephanie (Tyler) McCarty, Tori Waide, Mandy Waide, and Andrew Waide. He was doubly blessed with thirteen step-great grandchildren. He is also greatly missed by his loving lap cat Callie Jo. Dr. Woodford was born and raised in Philippi, WV and graduated from Philippi High School in 1958. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Alderson-Broaddus College in 1962. He went on to graduate from the West Virginia University School of Medicine in 1966. He then served in the US Navy stationed at Quantico VA and achieved the rank of Lieutenant USNRMC. He completed his residency at Akron City Hospital specializing in Thoracic Surgery and Family Medicine and was Board Certified in General Surgery. Throughout his fifty years in medicine, he worked at Akron City Hospital, the Myers Clinic, Broaddus Hospital, Grafton City Hospital, and the Tygart Valley Total Care Clinic. He loved reading, avidly reading the Bible every day. He was also a member of the Bigelow Lodge #52 AF & AM. He loved swimming, horseback riding, and amateur radio [call sign KC8MLK.] He was known as Jim Bill, Doc, Grandpa, Granddad, Jake, Pappy, or simply Dad. He was admired and respected but, above all, loved by many and will be greatly missed by all. We have lost a beloved Father, Husband, Grandfather, and Friend and will hold his memory and love in our hearts forever. Friends will be received at the Wright Funeral Home and on-site Crematory 220 N. Walnut St. Philippi on Friday September 6, form 11 am- 1 pm. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 pm with Rev. Jimmie Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Vernon Memorial Cemetery with the Flag presentation by the US Navy, and graveside rites conducted by the Bigelow Lodge #52 AF & AM. In lieu of flowers memorial contribution may be made to Animal Friends of Barbour County PO Box 452 Philippi, WV 26416.