James “Jim” Ray Woodard, age 78 of Hedrick, Iowa passed away Friday, April 11, 2025 at Mahaska Health Hospital in Oskaloosa Iowa following his battle with cancer. Jim was born August 30, 1946, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Norlan E. and Dorothy (Wey) Woodard. He attended Hedrick High School and graduated with the Class of 1964. After high school, he served his country in the United States Army from 1965-1967 serving overseas in Germany. He married Rachel Northup Breen in 1967 to this union two children were born Beth Ann and Tom, they later divorced. Several years later in 1993 he was united with Barb Sterling Hayworth, they remained married until her passing in 2017. With their union Jim gained two stepdaughters, Shellie and Sonya. After Barb’s passing Jim enjoyed spending time with his longtime friend-enemy (as she jokingly referred to herself as), Becki Schramm.
Jim retired from Windstream Communications after 43 years of dedication. Jim enjoyed his love of fishing & boating on the Skunk River, his yearly trips to Canada and Minnesota, shooting pool, playing cards (when winning of course), bowling, slot machines, watching sports and had a love for cooking especially his Blue Ribbon Chili and Chicken and Noodles. Jim had a quick wit and didn’t know a stranger. He was known by everyone either by name or most commonly as Woody.
Jim is survived by his daughter Beth Ann (Edmond) Winn, stepdaughters Shellie (Bryan) Long, Sonya (Todd) Mutchler; Grandchildren Dana (Jacob) Hammond, Cody Brodeur, Brody (Ashley) Long, Bryce and Brock Long, Ethan Cooksey, Braxton Cooksey, Nora and Chale Mutchler and 6 great grandchildren. His brother Jack (Sue) Woodard and sisters Di (Donnie) Demarse, Lois (Kim) Kehe and several nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his loving wife Barb, his son Tom Woodard, his parents; siblings Ralph Woodard, Jerry Woodard, Lawrence “Jeep” Woodard, Norlan “Cork” Woodard, Lloyd Woodard; Grandchildren Bethanne Cooksey, Colbie Cooksey.
To honor Jim’s wishes he was cremated, and no funeral services are planned. We invite you to please privately celebrate Jim’s memory in your own ways.
