James Emerson Woods

James Emerson Woods, 86, passed away April 18, 2012 in Bellingham, WA. James was born in Dayton, WA, September 11, 1925 to Emerson and Mildred Woods. Jim served in the U.S. Army during World War II serving in the 33rd Infantry Division during the liberation of the Philippines. He was in training to invade Japan when the war ended and served in the Allied occupation of Japan from September 1944 until September 1946. He married Donna Dicus in January 1954. He was employed as a Caterpillar mechanic at a local dealership from 1954 until the store closed in April 1988. He became a self-employed Caterpillar mechanic at that time and was highly regarded as the best CAT Mechanic in the County. Jim was a member of American Legion Post 35 in Waitsburg and a long standing member of the
First Presbyterian Church of Walla Walla.

Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife Donna and son Bruce. He is survived by his son Scott Woods and his wife Donna, daughter Beth Woods Kurtz and her husband John, daughter Michele Woods Ley and her husband Rich. Jim is also survived by his six grand children whom he treasured, Jessica Woods Burgess and husband Thomas, Jordan Woods, Shelley Kurtz, Adria Ley, Olivia Ley and Rebecca Ley.

Viewing and Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 26, 2012 from 10:00AM until 7:00PM and on Friday, April 27, 2012 from 9:00AM till 11:00AM at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA. A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00PM Friday April 27th, 2012 at the Blue Mountain Memorial Gardens Cemetery of College Place, WA. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, April 27th 2012, at 2:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church of Walla Walla with Rev. Albert Gillin officiating.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Walla Walla through the funeral home.