James L. Wood II

Born on May 7, 1944, in Potsdam he was the son of the late James L. Wood I and Grace Thomaris.

James was a graduate of Potsdam Central High School. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Potsdam State University.

He taught for a year but changed fields and went to work for the Merchant Marines out of New York City. He was a ship navigator for 25 years and sailed all over the world, including spending eight years on a cruise ship in Hawaii until his retirement in 2007.

After he retired, he worked a couple of summers as the assistant golf pro at Lake Placid Club and then worked seasonally for the state Department of Environmental Conservation at Wilmington Notch Campground until three years prior to his death. Before that, he served our country in the United States Navy from 1944 until his honorable discharge in 1982. He served in Vietnam.

James enjoyed golfing, fishing, fly fishing and spending his winters in Florida.

He is survived by his former significant other for 32 years Darlene Thompson and her two daughters that Jim helped raise, Kelly (Brian) Corcoran and Kerry (Anthony) Dellea. He is also survived by three grandchildren that he cherished, Matthew Corcoran, Alexander Dellea and Olivia Dellea.

He is predeceased by his brother Fred Wood.

Arrangements for cremation are with the Garner Funeral Service in Potsdam. Burial will take place at a later date at the Pleasant Mound Cemetery in Colton. Condolences for James L. Wood II can be shared @www.garnerfh.com.