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Obituary for James H. Woodard
A viewing Only is scheduled for James on
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church 5620 Wyalusing Avenue Philadelphia, pa. 19131
Viewing: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Homegoing Service and Interment will commence privately
LIFE STORY James Henry Woodard affectionately known as, Jimmy was born March 25, 1940 in Bonaire, Georgia and departed this life, September 14, 2020 peacefully at home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania due to complications following lung cancer.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents Mary Lee Johnson and Lonnie Woodard, as well as three sisters and four brothers: Lindy Johnson; Louise Ragin; Annie Ragin; Louis Johnson, William Woodard; George Weldon and Joe Ragin. In his early life, James Henry Woodard was educated in the Houston County School District in Perry, Georgia and served his country in the United States Army from August 6, 1963 – July 31, 1969 where he worked as a marksman (rifle M-1) and an expert (rifle M-14) as well as under the specialty title of, Military Cook before receiving an honorable discharge. Having relocated to Philadelphia after living in Lima, Ohio, Mr. Woodard married Novia Dukes on October 14, 1972.
Jimmy enjoyed bowling for entertainment purposes and utilized the sport for stress relief as well as an outlet to release negative emotions and anchor joy. He had a zest for life and anyone who tasted his savory specialty dishes which included fried chicken and collard greens could attest to his fun-loving spirit. Jimmy was considered a lucky man and appreciated outings at the casinos to play slots in addition to partaking in the lottery. As the self-proclaimed family photographer, Mr. Woodard reveled in snapping moments in time and sharing them with others regardless as to their level of interest. In his maturity, Jimmy delighted in spending time with his grandsons.
A supportive husband, devoted father and attentive grandfather, Mr. Woodard is survived by his wife, Novia Woodard and children Gregory Dukes, Isiah Woodard & daughter-in-law, Liani Dillard-Woodard with honorary children Karen Spearman and Larry White. Jimmy is also survived by his grandchildren Jasaan Woodard-Golden, Isiah Woodard, Jr. and Jabari Woodard as well as his siblings: Eura Lee Crutchfield; Mary Hodges; Hammie Ragin (Sandra); Lucille Patrick (Allen); Elizabeth Ragin; Roosevelt Ragin (Brenda); and Linda Banks (DeWayne.) Homegoing arrangements are as followed: A Viewing Only is scheduled for the Public on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church at 5620 Wyalusing Avenue in Philadelphia, PA 19131. Viewing will take place 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Homegoing Services and Interment will commence privately. Online condolences may be sent to: www.cwoodfh.com