Jim Woods

Jim L. Woods transitioned to glory from his home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, surrounded by his loved ones, and is now at peace in his Savior’s embrace. He was 83-years old. Jim was born on January 14, 1943, in Wewoka, Oklahoma to parents, J.L. and Betty Jo (Stokes) Woods. He grew up in Norman, Oklahoma. During his high school years, he was active in the band, mastering the role of drum major for three years. He attended Oklahoma University, where he met the love of his life, Ruth Winchell. They were married on March 17, 1962 beginning a beautiful marriage that spanned almost 64-years. Together they raised four children. He was a caring husband, father, and grandfather. He was a dedicated provider who worked tirelessly to ensure his loved ones were always supported and well-cared for, leaving behind a legacy of devotion and hard work. Jim worked multiple jobs but found his professional calling in financial management and insurance. A lifelong learner, he earned his degree as a Chartered Financial Consultant and became a respected business owner, operating an Allstate Insurance Agency for many decades. Beyond his career, Jim held a profound love for Broken Arrow. He was a fixture of the downtown community and took immense pride in its growth. As a lasting legacy, he built the iconic Woods Building at 300 N. Main St. in the heart of the Rose District, cementing his place in the history of the town he called home. Jim was a man of remarkable brilliance and possessed an incredible memory. He had a passion for music, movies (especially science fiction), and a willingness to try almost anything once. His adventurous nature took him to the skies, where he earned his private pilot’s license, and into the community, where he served as a certified Auxiliary Policeman in Tulsa. It was while navigating those skies that Jim discovered a profound passion for astronomy. From that point on, his eyes were always fixed on the heavens. This fascination with the cosmos became a lifelong journey shared with his family, from quiet visits to planetariums to several dedicated expeditions to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of a total solar eclipse. Whether he was studying the latest issue of Astronomy Magazine, calibrating his telescope, or leading deep discussions under a blanket of stars, Jim found profound joy in the mysteries of the universe. To him, the night sky wasn’t just a view—it was a frontier to be explored and understood. An avid collector, Jim took great joy in collecting coins, stamps, and baseball memorabilia. His love for baseball ran deep. He was a loyal fan of the Tulsa Drillers locally, and followed both the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cleveland Indians nationally. A highlight of his life was attending a World Series game and meeting the legendary Dodgers manager, Tommy Lasorda. Jim and Ruth shared a passion for travel, exploring countless destinations and creating a lifetime of cherished memories, with the beauty of Hawaii remaining a favorite. Never one to shy away from a risk, Jim found excitement in the stock market and enjoyed his trips to the casino. Beyond his many accomplishments, Jim was known for his sharp wit and his sly sense of humor. He had a gift for delivery, often offering a perfectly timed remark with a quiet twinkle in his eye that caught everyone off guard and left them laughing. His clever observations and playful spirit made every gathering more memorable, leaving his family and friends with countless "Jim stories" they will treasure forever. One of Jim’s most magical and enduring legacies was the fifty years he spent bringing the spirit of Christmas to life. As a "profoundly good" Santa Claus, Jim donned the red suit not just as a costume, but as a calling. For over five decades, he brought wonder to the students at Barnard Elementary in Tulsa and delighted friends with unexpected, joyful visits to their homes. The heart of this tradition lived at home on Christmas Eve. Surrounded by the sound of jingle bells and infectious belly laughs, Jim created a sacred family ritual where every loved one—child and adult alike—took their turn on Santa’s lap to receive a special gift and a moment of his undivided attention. His "Ho, Ho, Ho" was more than a greeting; it was a reflection of his generous soul and the joy he found in making others believe in the magic of the season. A man of profound and steadfast faith, Jim was a cornerstone of his church community. He served with distinction as a Deacon at South Broken Arrow Baptist Church, where his leadership and devotion were honored in 2024 with the title of Deacon Emeritus. His life was a testament to his spiritual commitment, guided by a servant’s heart and a deep love for his church family. Jim’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Ruth Woods, of the home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. His children: George Matthew Woods and his wife, Rose, of Stillwater; Kelly Elizabeth and her husband, Kirk Duggins, of Broken Arrow; Shanna Leigh and her husband, Dale Roberts, of Broken Arrow; and James Jason Woods of Tulsa. His son-in-law, Hubert Gallardo, of Broken Arrow. His grandchildren: Mary, Leslie, Samantha, Madeline, Emma, Winchell, Ryan, Samuel, Faris, and Rachel; and his great-grandchildren: Ruthie, Jack, Scott, Joseph, Robert, Eric, Charlotte, Lucille, and Ellie. His brother, Larry Woods and his wife, JoAnn of East Lansing, Michigan; his sister-in-law, Mary Goertz; his brother-in-law, Mike Winchell and his wife, Donna; and his nieces, nephew, and many dear friends. Jim was preceded in death by parents, J.L. and Betty Jo Woods, his brother-in-law, Ralph Goertz, and his beloved granddaughter, Jessica. Jim will be greatly missed, but remembered for his unwavering faith, his compassionate heart, and his steadfast love for his family and friends. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family he cherished. We take comfort in the beautiful image of Jim today—vibrant, free, and engaged in the conversation of a lifetime as he walks and talks with Jesus in his eternal home.

Tributes

Jim Woods

January 14, 1943 - February 19, 2026