James Leon Woods, Jr. passed away after a short illness on September 22, 2023, in Greenville, South Carolina, surrounded by his loving children and grandchildren. Jim was born on November 19, 1936, in Columbia, Mississippi, to Gladys Morrison Woods and James Leon Woods, Sr.

After graduating from Columbia
High School in 1954, Jim attended the University of Mississippi for two years, at which point he was admitted to the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry, from which he graduated in 1958. During his time in dental school, he met the love of his life, Joan Gertrude Wille of New Orleans at a wedding of a friend in New Orleans. Their short period of courting culminated with their marriage on August 22, 1959. Upon graduation from dental school, Jim joined the Army Dental Corps and rose to the rank of Captain. Following his time in the Army, he entered the private practice of dentistry in Cleveland, Mississippi.

After a few years of practicing general dentistry, he and Joan moved their then-young family to Montreal, where he attended the Université de Montréal and obtained his orthodontic certification. He practiced orthodontics for more than 40 years in Columbus, Mississippi; Gulfport, Mississippi; and Greenville, South Carolina.

Jim and Joan began their family with the arrival of Lee in October 1960. Their daughter, Lorrie, arrived shortly thereafter in February 1962, followed by Andy in May 1965. To their great surprise, Will arrived in August 1972.

In addition to being a very skilled and successful orthodontist, Jim had many interests and was very involved in his community and his church. He served for many years (including as Chair) on the boards of the YMCA of Columbus, Mississippi; YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina; and the Rotary Club of Columbus, Mississippi. He had a beautiful voice and sang in many choirs and quartets (as well as around the house on a regular basis!). He was a kind, generous, and humble leader that many people in his professional and personal circles looked up to and admired.

Notwithstanding all of his professional accomplishments and community involvement, he prioritized and treasured his family above all else. He was a loving and wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Jim is survived by his wife, Joan Woods, of Clemson, South Carolina; his son, Lee Woods and his wife, Donna Woods of Clemson, South Carolina; his daughter, Lorrie Jones of Clemson, South Carolina (Lorrie’s beloved husband, Andy Jones predeceased him in February 2023); his son, Andy Woods of Columbia, South Carolina; and his son, Will Woods and his wife, Kelly Woods of Dallas, Texas. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren (Sarah Woods Fox; Sam Woods; Megan Jones Reno; Drew Jones Schofield; Daniel Jones; Ben Woods; and Abe Woods) and three great-grandchildren (Mira Woods; Jack Reno; and Audrey Fox).

Jim will be interred at a ceremony for the family and close friends in the Columbarium at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina, overlooking the peaceful Blue Ridge Mountains, which he loved.

Donations in Jim’s name can be made at https:// blueridgeassembly.org/donate/ (in the drop down that says, “My donation is for”, choose “Endowment” and then in the comment section at the bottom, notate Jim Woods).