James A “Jim” Wood was born in McDonald PA. the son of the later Thomas James Wood and Dorothy Radcliffe Wood Smiley Knight Skinner.

Jim grew up in central Indiana where he graduated from high school. After serving in the 1st Armored Division of the U.S. Army, he began a study of psychology at Ball State University in Muncie. In the evenings, he patrolled the campus as a university police officer. On weekends, he gave home firearms classes at the local gun range, ending each class with a “trick” shooting demonstration, firing a .38 revolver in each hand. After a few years, he and his wife, Elizabeth, moved to Arlington, Texas and he continued his study of psychology at the University of Texas while working as a deputy for the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Dept. After taking numerous specialized training courses, he was promoted to serve in the Criminal Investigation Division working with the investigators and Texas Rangers who assisted with major cases. After completing twenty years he was awarded a Master Peace Officer certification and became a guest instructor at Dallas Baptist University in the Criminal Justice Department, teaching police firearms.

When he retired, he and his wife moved to Smithville, Tennessee and Jim soon became the

Administrative Assistant to the DeKalb County Sheriff and writer for the Middle Tennessee

Times. He served as President of the Chamber of Commerce and was voted Mr. DeKalb County.

A dozen of his short stories have been published in various national magazines as well as seven

e-books using the Texas Rangers he worked with as inspiration. He jokingly says that he had

ridden with them although the riding was done in cars to go to lunch and not on horseback.

In May 2024, Jim and Elizabeth moved to Clayton, GA to be closer to Elizabeth’s daughter.

Preceded in death by his father, Thomas James Wood; mother, Dorothy Radcliffe Wood Smiley Knight Skinner; half-Sister, Darla Smiley Hickman.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Coleman Wood; daughter, Angela Kae Wood Cortner Williams of Muncie IN; two sons, Bradley James Wood, Muncie IN, Christopher Lynn Wood, Atlanta, GA; stepdaughter, Shirley Maxwell-Wood, Clayton GA and a numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren also survive.

The family would like to express special thanks to Christine Manders who has been like a daughter throughout several years. Also, special thanks to the Pruitt Hospice team for extraordinary care and attention during Jim’s short illness.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is honored to serve the family of Jim A. Wood. Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.