James A Wood

CONCORD-James A. Wood of Concord NH, died Sunday, October, 16 at age 90. He was the second son of the late Allan D. and Virginia H. Wood. He was born on the island of Nantucket, MA on February 8, 1926. He graduated from Nantucket High School and studied at the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, MA, majoring in organ with E. Power Biggs and George Faxon, and in choral conducting with Sarah Caldwell. He served as a medic in the Army in Europe in World War II.

He completed his studies after the war, studying at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria and Trinity College in London, England, where he received his degree. He served as Director of Music at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Nashua NH for 23 years, and at St. Paul’s Church in Concord, NH from 1970 until his retirement. In 1956 he joined the faculty of St. Paul's School in Concord, where in 1970 he became Head of the Music Department and Director of Chapel Music.

In 1955 he and colleagues founded the Actorsingers of Nashua, a community group of singers and actors producing musicals and operettas.

He was a past Dean of the NH Chapter of American Guild of Organists, a past President of the NH Music Teachers Association, and a member of American Choral Directors.

In 1970 he and the Rev. Richard Aiken founded the St. Paul’s School Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols, as the school became a four year co-ed high school.

He was predeceased by his wife, Constance A. Wood; a daughter, Licia A. O'Conor (Joe) and a grandson, Alexander.

His family members include his children, Signa A. Watts (Dale), Kristin W. Dunklee (Daniel); nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

There will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Old Chapel at St. Paul's School on Saturday October 22 at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul's School Music Department or St. Paul's Episcopal Church Food Pantry.