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| Jim Woods 1937-2015 |
He lived alone. He lived quietly content, in good health and able
to help family if ever necessary. His
bank account, he once casually mentioned, was kept at an amount more than sufficient
for him to be counted on in an emergency. Several months ago he seriously considered
buying a new car. The decision to forego the purchase was predicated on “I
really only drive to shop for groceries.
Don’t do that nearly as much as I used to. I’ll save my money just in case.”
However his children didn’t
need him and it was quite apparent were confident he didn't need them. Visits and calls were not part of their lives. Their cherished mother, his wife had died many
years ago after a brave battle with cancer.
It would be ten years and several months after her death, his life would
end. This month, he died alone.
Neighbors in his Senior
Citizen building realized he had not been seen.
Entrance was gained to his apartment. He would never again be seen alive
on this earth. The discovery was so long
after he took his last breath that decomposing was well on its way.
Two days after it was held,
his children, whom he was extremely proud of, sent this photo taken at the private
ceremony. A U.S. Air Force Veteran, Jim was interred with military honors in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis County. For many years, my twin brother was a recovering alcoholic. Throughout his life, he was a precious friend of mine.
Thank You Dear God for James
Franklin Woods.
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You are invited to read vignettes about Jim in my award winning memoir,
You are invited to read vignettes about Jim in my award winning memoir,
Black Star Girl, published in 2010.
