James Woodford Obituary

James F. Woodford, 78, passed away peacefully Saturday, July 26, 2025, at home with his family following an illness. He was born on September 1, 1946, the son of the late Gregory and Aline (Vautour) Woodford, and grew up in Gardner, Ma. Following high school, he proudly served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War for six years. He was stationed on the USS Shangri-la, the USS Roosevelt, and the USS Enterprise aircraft carriers.

In 1968, he married Sandra Fletcher, and they raised their family together in Templeton, Ma. He worked for Simplex in Gardner, Ma for many years as a Product Systems Manager until his retirement. He earned a B.A. while working full-time and taking night courses at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

He leaves his wife of 56 years, Sandra (Fletcher) Woodford, one daughter, Kelly Woodford, and one son, Brett Woodford and his wife Kerri, and two grandchildren, Jackson Woodford and Zoey Woodford. He also leaves his mother-in-law Patricia Fletcher, sister-in-law, Diane Aldrich, and her husband Ronald, brother-in-law, Scott Fletcher, and his longtime companion, Jan Arsenault and their families, a niece Kerry Russell and her family, a nephew Ryan Aldrich, his wife Holly and their family, several cousins, and many friends. James enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren, woodworking, watching TV and movies, “drive and eat”, building Lego and models with Jackson, and being told “wake up Peps!” by Zoey. He was also a member of the VFW. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in James' name to Care Central VNA in Gardner.

Calling Hours will be held at Mack Family Funeral Home at 105 Central Street in Gardner on Tuesday August 5, 11AM - 1230 with a Burial to follow at Pinegrove Cemetery.