James Leland Wood passed Thursday January 20, 2022, with his wife, Joan, by his side. James was born August 20, 1934, in Ft Smith Arkansas. He was 87 years old.

James is preceded by his parents Virgil & Mary Wood. He is survived by his wife Dorothy Joan Green of 43 years, his daughter Diana & her husband Chuck Hendrix of Edmond Oklahoma, Donna & her husband Blair Thomson of Spicewood Texas, Dina & her husband Grady Trew of San Antonio Texas, James L. Wood Jr (Jay). & his wife Katrina of Burkburnett Texas and April Green of Eckert Colorado. He has fourteen grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren.

James served his country in the Army of the United States of America from 1954-1974 as Chief Warrant Officer 4 where he received several Army Commendation medals throughout his 20 years for his role in supporting air defense education and training and was extremely knowledgeable in his complex field of operations.

He owned and operated Wood Convalescent Rehabilitation Center in Vernon, Iris Haven in Chillicothe, and Quanah Nursing Home in Quanah all in Texas until they were sold. James will be remembered for working hard every day to ensure that those who lived in his facilities were loved & well cared for. "We care for those you love" was his mission statement.

James was a member of the Vernon Lions Club. He had an agreement with Vernon High School and Bill Bristow, Ag instructor, to have his students hang potted plants in front of every resident's window and instilled the irrigation system to keep the plants alive for as long as James owned the facility. Mr. Bristow also educated & inspired residents to be better gardeners. James encouraged residents to garden, care for animals, installed an exercise walking path to encourage better health and at one point hosted a horticulturist from England to assist in making a plan to keep Wood Convalescent Center beautiful for the future and James bought the video equipment to broadcast Sunday services for the First Baptist Church on the Vernon cable channel. In all his endeavors at his facilities James was a very forward and innovative thinker.

He was an investor with his son Jay for 2 years and a Day Trader until he was 85 years old. James has left an indelible legacy of family & love to all who knew him.

Family & friends are invited to a viewing at Sullivan Funeral Home in Vernon Texas from 6pm-8pm Friday, January 28. Due to COVID masks are recommended, but not required.