Jesse James Woody Sr

Jesse James Woody Sr., 89, of Lake WV departed this life on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at Logan Regional Medical Center, Logan, WV.

He was born February 5, 1932 in Lake, WV, the son of the late Jim and Stella Craddock Woody.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife (of 26yrs) Iva White Woody and their three infant children. Also preceding him in death were two brothers, Frank "Red" Woody and Samuel Woody, two sisters, Roseann Woody Bailey, and Manda Woody, one sister-in-law, Rose Woody and one brother-in-law, Roger May, and a special uncle and aunt, Ocie and Emma Craddock with whom he temporarily resided after his mother's untimely death when he was only a young boy.

Jesse was a preacher for almost 60 years. His life's work was helping to lead lost souls to God. He loved singing and playing guitar in church with his family and friends. He also loved playing Bluegrass Gospel music on his mandolin. He was an underground coal miner and member of the UMWA for more than 35yrs. After retiring from mining, he worked another 15yrs in fast food (McDonald's in Madison, WV and Wendy's in Chapmanville, WV). In his free time, he loved going to church, singing, reading the Bible, traveling with his family, and spending as much time as possible with his grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving and devoted wife of almost 42 years, Dottie Ball Woody, two daughters, Drema "Jo" Woody, Stephanie (Tony) Woody Vance, and one son, Jesse James Woody Jr., along with two handsome grandsons, Cameron Woody and Easton Woody, and two beautiful granddaughters, Zoe Purkey and Zena Woody, four sisters, Betty Runyon, Helen May, Francis (Gary) Oliver, and Lova (Hoss) Farley, nine brothers, Roy (Diana) Woody, David (Nickie) Woody, Greg (Donna) Woody, Jim Jr (Doreen) Woody, Billy (Belinda) Woody, Ed (Mary) Woody, Ronnie (Patricia) Woody, Lonnie Woody, and Marty (Crystal) Woody, one brother-in-law, George Bailey, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Jesse never met a stranger.

The family would like to thank the CCU/ICU nurses and staff of LRMC, especially Ms. Jeana and Ms. Jennifer for your wonderful care of Jesse during his last month of life on this earth.

Visitation will be Sunday, February 21st, 2021 from 12-1pm (just prior to the funeral service).

Service will be held at 1pm Sunday, February 21st, 2021 at Freeman Funeral Home with Joe Lane officiating with the assistance of Mike Rollins and Johnny Craddock and featuring special singers Doreen Woody, Jake Booth, Chuck Rollins, and Justin Woody (with accompanying piano by Ed Woody). Burial will follow at Woody Cemetery, Lake WV. Refreshments will be provided after the burial at Mt. Mission Church, Lake WV.

Pallbearers will be David Woody Jr, Phillip Woody, Josh Woody, Steven Woody, Gregory Woody, and Bobby Evans. Honorary Pallbearers will be Chuck Rollins, Anthony Rollins, Roger Smith, Tim Dingess, Jake Booth, and Hoss Farley.

Freeman Funeral Home, Chapmanville WV is in charge of the arrangements.