James J Woodhead

Captain James Jordan Woodhead took his final flight on Tuesday, June 2, 2020. He died unexpectedly at his beautiful home in Del Mar, California. Although his death was sudden, it was painless and peaceful.

Jim is survived by his wife of 44 years, Judy; children Kristin (Russell) Grip and her husband Dan, of Acton, MA; James Wallis Woodhead and his wife Lynn (Reiter), of Santee, CA; Ted Russell and his fiancée Trisha Cadden, of Park City, UT; and Heidi (Woodhead) Ward and her husband William, of Grants Pass, OR. His adored grandchildren are Caroline and Colin Grip, Conner Brown, Theo and Tripp Russell.

Jim (or Woody, as he was affectionately known) was born on November 17, 1934 in Minneapolis, MN, to John and Jeannette (Jordan) Woodhead. His youth was spent in the bucolic setting of Deephaven, MN, where he attended The Blake School. He then headed west and graduated from Stanford University in 1956. In 1957 Jim joined the United States Air Force, where he served as a Captain, until he was honorably discharged in 1965.

He continued his career as a Captain in the heydays of the airline industry, most notably with PSA Airlines in San Diego, and then with US Airways. He had a storied career as a pilot and retired from flying in 1994. His retirement years were spent mastering his creative skills with woodworking and painting. Many treasured hand-carved items and portraits are cherished by Jim’s family and friends.

Everyone who knew Jim loved him. He was happiest on the deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with friends gathered around and the front door open for anyone to feel welcome. The grill was ready, the cocktails were flowing, and conversation was lively, to say the least. We laughed at his stories and jokes until we cried. Evenings always lingered as no one wanted to say goodbye.

Jim/Dad/Grandy/Woody will be laid to rest at Miramar National Cemetery at a later date. We will gather to celebrate Jim’s exceptional life later in the year. Until then…off he goes into the wild blue yonder.