Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James Woodruff Obituary
Colonel Woodruff was born November 16, 1918 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to John Kelleam Woodruff, Sr. and Madge (Horton) Woodruff. He received a bachelor's degree in philosophy from the University of Arkansas in 1940, and a master's degree in theology from the Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas in 1943, and did graduate study at New College, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, and Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University, New York City, and Nashotah House, Wisconsin.
He served as chaplain in the Army Air Corps during World War II and in the Air Force in Europe, Iceland, and Turkey. Between World War II and the Korean War he taught philosophy at McMurry College, Abilene, Texas. He was recalled into the Air Force in 1951. He retired from the Air Force after 24 years of service. He had also been a youth counselor (Job Corps) with the Colorado Division of Employment and Training, and was an assistant at the Chapel of Our Saviour, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Colonel Woodruff was a life member of the Air Force Association, the Retired Officers Association (pikes Peak Chapter), and the University of Arkansas Alumni Association.
He was married August 24, 1940 to Myra Lee (Jones) Woodruff, who survives.
He is also survived by three daughters, Myra Melinda Sobral (Daniel) of Branson, Missouri, Anna Lucia Pelletier (Charles) of Westbrook, Maine, and Celeste Woodruff Palmby (Keith) of Renton, Washington and a son, Matthew James Woodruff (Karen) of Boyd, Texas. He is also survived b y 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
He had two brothers, Elbert Newton Woodruff and John Kelleam Woodruff, Jr., who proceeded him in death.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Scholarship Fund, Pikes Peak Chapter of the Retired Officers Association or to Pikes Peak Hospice.
A celebration of Life is pending.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Woodruff
Sharon McGee Ghassami
July 18, 2023
Heartfelt love to the Woodruff family. They were beloved friends my family met in Turkey. Myra and Luci and I were very close friends, and I miss you all so much--have happy memories from our shared past, however brief! The military life of our fathers moved us around so much, but the memories are still strong and beautiful.
Be well dear friends--I look forward to a happy reunion in this world or the next!!! Much love, Sharon McGee Ghassami
Ellen Rennels
September 15, 2015
Dear Lucia,
So very sorry for your loss. We have memories and lessons learned and we must move on to do our best.
Thinking of you.
Bert Woodruff
September 9, 2015
Dear Aunt Myra. I think of you and Uncle Rudolph all the time. I am so sorry for your loss. Love, Bert
Mindy Mahler
August 30, 2015
Prayers for your family. Cherish your many memories to keep this special man in your hearts!
Nocona Ingland
August 30, 2015
Heard many great stories. May God watch over the family as he leaves behind a legacy. Matt I,am,so sorry.,love ya
Phyllis Wilson
August 30, 2015
May many wonderful memories of your Dad sustain the family in this difficult time. Cry, laugh and celebrate together!
Carol Jesmer
August 29, 2015
I only know his wonderful daughter, and my friend Lucia. I am so sorry for your loss. This is a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man.
Tommy Morris Jones
August 28, 2015
He was a great, Godly man. He has always been cherished.
Tommy Morris Jones
August 28, 2015
Chaplain Woodruff stood up for me a lot when we served at Orlando AFB in 1958-59. He was a very special person that I will always cherish. I taught Myra in Sunday School. Dr. Tommy Morris Jones, Chaplain's Assistant.
Celeste Palmby
August 26, 2015
Sweet Daddy, I miss you so much.
The Marchbank Family
August 26, 2015
Thanks for being such a great neighbor. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
August 26, 2015
Cal & Sherrie Lidderdale
Rachel Brann
August 26, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time...
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Make a Donation
in James Woodruff's name
Memorial Events
for James Woodruff
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Woodruff's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
