James Robert Woodbridge

James Robert Woodbridge "Big Jim",74, of Glendale, AZ passed away due to complications of pancreatic cancer on February 21, 2019. He was born to David E. and Evelyn M. Woodbridge on April 6th 1943 in Benton Harbor, MI. He grew up in Phoenix, AZ, where he graduated from Phoenix Union High School class of 1961. On October 17th 1964, he married Janis L Crabtree in Phoenix, AZ.

While attending Phoenix Union, he joined Vocational-Technical Division, Cabinet Making & Furniture Construction where he learned cabinet making trade. After graduating high school, he began his career and passion in custom cabinet building. He enjoyed working for companies such as; O’Malley’s, Wahlers, Jones, Browner, and retiring from Rickabaugh. During his time in cabinet building he met a lot of great people that became friends, built a strong work ethic and joined a union for cabinet makers.

James was an active leader in his son’s Cub Scout and Webelo Scout troops and a coach for Glendale Baseball League and Westside Pop Warner team. Aside from being a leader and coach, he enjoyed family/friend baseball games, hunting, fishing, camping with family, vacationing to places such as national parks, wine country, and California’s amusement parks, going to Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Rattlers games with family. In his downtime he would listen to audiobooks, read about Arizona’s history, watch college football & baseball, collect pewter, Disney memorabilia, sports cards and memorabilia.

His greatest achievements were marrying the love of his life, being an active father raising and creating memories with their son. He was an extraordinary son, brother, Papa, Uncle, Great Uncle, and friend to those who had the privilege of knowing him. His only disappointment in life was that he never won the lottery but he always had what money could not buy; love, companionship, and family.

James is survived by: his wife; Janis L., Son; Travis L. (Jenny R.), Grandchildren; Amber L. (Steve T.), Casey A., Spencer J. (Kattie E.) and Kendra L. Great Grandchildren; Tyler J., Steven M., Conner L., Elizabeth A., Victoria L., Caleb L., Nicholas A., Anthony G., Brysen J., Nikola T., Adrian J., Jackson W., Jameson L., & Amelia R. Sibling; Howard G. (Ito) and Darlene . Nephews and Nieces; Brian, Cheryl (Richie), Kathy (Kenneth), Teia (Jerry), Terry (Renee), Valerie(Corey), Sharon (Rocky), Carla (Dennis), Nyla (Manual), Pauline (Rob), & Micheal (Chris). Pets; Bambam, Pebbles, & Poppy. He is preceded in death by Parent; David E. & Evelyn M, Siblings Oonalee J., David F. “Woody”., & Frank Smith.

The family would like to thank everyone at John C. Lincoln North Mountain’s CVICU floor, palliative care, and all of James’s physicians (especially Dr. Nazish Ahmad), nurses, & staff that were involved in his care. As well as all friends and family’s well wishes, prayers and support throughout James’s battle with cancer. The family ask that any donations be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital www.stjude.org/donate.

Services will be held on Saturday March 2nd 2019 at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary 200 W Beardsley Rd Phoenix, AZ 85027. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM followed by the Funeral starting at 12:00PM.