James L. Woods

JAMES LEROY WOODS, JR., lovingly known as “Winky”, was born on February 9, 1954, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late James Leroy Woods, Sr. and Dorothy Melinda Carter. James was the first born amongst his two other siblings, Edna (Goodie) and Anthony (Tony). On Thursday, February 23, 2023, with his loving wife by his side, James transitioned peacefully to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. James was called home after courageously battling several illnesses. Raised in Baltimore, Maryland, James accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at a very early age. He became a member of Union Memorial United Methodist Church. As the years passed, desiring to grow in his faith and Christian walk, James decided to worship with the Catholic Church. James completed his early education in the Baltimore City Public School System. Graduating from Northwestern High School in 1972, he moved into higher education by enrolling into the Baltimore City Community College. James was accepted into the summer program at Harvard University where he majored in Biology. Once he completed the summer session at Harvard, he was accepted at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia, where he continued to pursue his major in Biology. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1976. While at Virginia Union University, James joined the Gamma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated in the Fall of 1975. James not only obtained a degree from Virginia Union University, but he also met and married his wife of 44 years, Pamela Charlene Fletcher on April 29, 1978, in Washington, DC. In 1985, James and Pamela were blessed with one son, Kevin Lance Woods. James was a dedicated and hard worker throughout his career. While attending middle and high school, he was employed by the Enoch Pratt Free Library. Once he received his Bachelor of Science degree, James taught in the Baltimore City Public School System until he was recruited by the United States Food and Drug Administration. James was employed at the Food and Drug Administration for more than 40 years. He enjoyed working with his colleagues and retired as a supervisor. During his tenure at the FDA James received numerous citations and awards. James was an avid reader, accomplished bowler, lover of jazz music, racquetball player, and Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity life member. He made numerous friends wherever he went and will be sincerely missed by everyone who knew him. He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Pamela; loving son, Kevin; siblings, Edna (Goodie) and Anthony (Tony); godmother, Delores; nieces, Erika, Latesha, and Monique; nephews, Eric and Anthony, Jr.; great niece, Savannah; great-nephew, Kingsley; cousin, Wanda; many extended family members, and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Melinda Carter; father, James Leroy Woods, Sr., aunts, Ella Jones and Lillian Stewart; uncles, Howard Carter and Leroy Carter; and niece, SeanQuilla.

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James L. Woods

February 9, 1954 - February 23, 2023