James "Jim" Woods

James Howard Woods, 78, of Staunton passed away Sunday, December 2, 2018 at the Shenandoah Hospice House in Fishersville.

He was born in Mill Gap on August 9, 1940, the son of the late Howard Wesley “Dick” and Ruby Eunice (Fulton) Woods.

Jim was co-founder and partner of Blue Ridge Appraisal Company. He loved spending time on his home place in Highland County, where he enjoyed farming and hunting. But above all, Jim was a proud grandfather, his grandsons were truly his greatest joy.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a half-brother, C.M. “Buck” Gutshall; and two half-sisters, Imogene Almarode and Mary Alice Crickenburger.

Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Faye (Truxell) Woods of Staunton; daughter, Amy Switzer and husband, Mark of Chantilly; son, Wesley Woods and wife, Melanie of Madison Heights; four grandsons, Grant and Reed Switzer and Peter and Harmon Woods; sister, Elizabeth “Libby” W. Hefner of Mill Gap; as well as nine nieces and nephews, including a special nephew Billy Hefner.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, December 6, 2018 at Christ United Methodist Church, 1512 Churchville Ave, Staunton, Va. 24401, with the Rev. Sara Locke officiating. A committal service will be held at 3:30 p.m. in Green Hill Cemetery, 63 Green Hill Lane, Monterey, Va. 24465 with the Rev. Dr. Michael Houff officiating.

The family will receive friends following the service in the church social hall during a time of lite refreshments.

Active pallbearers will be his four grandsons and Dale Truxell, Mike Showalter, Bill Wagner and Kevin Gutshall.

Memorial donations may be made to D.C. Candlelighters, P.O. Box 2705, Merrifield, Va. 22116 or Green Hill Cemetery c/o Richard Simmons, 8171 Mill Gap Rd., Monterey, Va. 24465.