James Ray Wooddell, 1929 – 2006

Rev. "Jim" was born in Charleston, W.Va, and served six churches in West Virginia before moving to Virginia. He served three churches in Virginia before retiring from Monroe United Methodist Church in 1995, after having served 49 years in the ministry.

He was a very proud graduate of Boston University. He was a member of the Amherst Ruritan Club, and the Clinton Masonic Lodge in Amherst, having received his 50-year membership pin. He was a chaplain in the U.S, Army, attaining the rank of major, and faithfully attended the Emmanuel Church in Amherst, where he often preached and taught the Mattie Ware Sunday School Class.

He enjoyed genealogy research, reading, and traveling — especially to his family’s farm in Pocahontas County. Jim was an avid Virginia Tech Hokie fan, hunter, and fisherman.

He is survived by his wife Rosemarie, son Michael of Madison Heights, son Stephen of Omaha, Neb., son Jim of Winter Park, Fla., son Bill of Santo Domingo, son Steve of Williamstown, W.Va., son Jack of Richmond, daughter Jeanette of Charlottesville, daughter Anne and a special son-in-law, Michael, of Greensboro, N.C., daughter Virginia of Billings, Mont., 24 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

He was a loyal and faithful servant of our Lord.

— Rosemarie Wooddell