James Leonard Woods

James Leonard Woods, 97, passed away, Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at Lakeview Christian Home. Visitation will be 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Thursday, November 4, 2010 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. A Graveside service is scheduled for 1:00 PM, Friday, November 5, 2010 at Carlsbad Cemetery with Chaplain John Mezger officiating. Carlsbad Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. James was born February 10, 1913 in Brady, Texas, the son of Leander Collins and Mary Inez (Hayes) Woods, one of three children. He grew up in O'Donner and Hamlin, Texas, moving to Carlsbad in 1945. He was a decorated World War II veteran, serving in the US Army. Upon moving to Carlsbad he worked at the US Borax (Mississippi Chemical) mine until retiring in 1978. He was a member of the Veterans of foreign Wars, Post 8703. James enjoyed life and had many wonderful stories to tell about life in the early years. He loved his family and his friends. He loved to do what he called "tinkering". He married Pearl M. Cooper on December 20, 1945 who preceded him in death, February 10, 1995. He married Mary Elizabeth Burnside on September 4, 1996. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Elizabeth of Carlsbad, NM; four step-children: John and Jonnie Burnside of Artesia, NM, Ann and Robert Walker of Farmington, NM, Caryol and J. D. Kiser of Odessa, TX, Frank and Linda Burnside of mineral Wells, TX; numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.