Former Fairbanks resident James Reynders Wood, 67, died Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009, at his home in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
Jim was raised in Maine and attended school there. After college, he entered the U.S. Army as a junior officer and served a tour in Vietnam. Upon his discharge, he returned to Maine and worked as a travel agent for many years. Later, at the urging of his brother Woody, he jumped at the opportunity to move to Alaska and drive trucks.
He drove trucks for Sig Wold, American Fast Freight, Sourdough and Carlile, among others, until his retirement. After retiring, he enjoyed taking a temporary job when he felt like it and otherwise enjoyed working in his garden or shop.
Jim is survived by his wife, Sandy of Wisconsin Rapids; brothers and sister-in-law, Arthur "Woody" and Rose Wood of Fairbanks and Ken Wood of Portland, Maine; stepchildren, Earl Phillips and children Amethyst and Ava, Jerry Phillips and children Isabella and Julia, Chris Phillips and son Morgen and Patti (husband Brian) Engleman; niece, Cindy Wood; nephew, Will Wood; in-laws, Pat Goble, Susan Goble, Steve Goble, Ray Goble, Mike Goble and Sheri Walsh; numerous cousins throughout the United States; special friends who have been there with prayers and support during his illness, Rich and Marilyn Cournoyer and family, Terry and Laurie Kramer, Jim and Wendy Kiedrowski, Nancy and David Buker, George and Dee Allen, Nancy Lane, Al and Joan Best, Jimmy and Chris Heitzig and Jack Wonder, among many others.
There will be no formal service. A memorial service will be held in Wisconsin Rapids on June 26, 2010. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Jim's name to UW Cancer Center - Riverview, 410 Dewey St., Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 or to a veteran's rehab program of your choice.
Arrangements were by Ritchay Funeral Home of Wisconsin Rapids.
(Published in (The Fairbanks, AK) Daily News-Miner on October 10, 2009)
Jim was a Platoon Leader for C Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry during the Vietnam War. CLICK HERE to see the pictures he submitted to this web site.
