Wood, James N.

James N. Wood, 83, of Cedar Rapids, died Oct. 7, 2009, in his home following a sudden illness. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. The Rev. Perry Fruhling of St. Mark's Lutheran Faith and Life Center will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. today at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Entombment will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Surviving are his children, James C. Wood and wife Paulette of Cedar Rapids and David N. Wood and wife Polly of Alburnett; grandchildren, James M. Wood and wife Candace of Marion, Tina M. Naaktgeboren and husband Erik of Cedar Rapids, Amber Knickerbocker and husband Justin of Wichita, Kan., Nicole Wood of Des Moines and Cortney Wood of Alburnett; and great-grandchildren, Tate, Jimmy, and Kane.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Evelyn; and sister, Patty.

James was born Aug. 28, 1926, in Earlham, Iowa, the son of James S. and Nellie (Boat) Wood. He served his country honorably in the United States Navy during World War II. He married Evelyn Jesnick on Dec. 26, 1948, in Newton. She preceded him in death in 2003. He worked for the Social Security Administration and retired after 35 years of service as manager.

He was a member of Downtown Kiwanis and St. Mark's Lutheran Faith and Life Center and was a Mason. He was previously active with the Boy Scouts. He enjoyed fishing, golf, and above all time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the memorial fund established in James' honor.

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