James Wood

James (Jim) A. Wood, 68, Detroit Lakes, died Sunday, February 4th at Essentia Health- St. Mary’s Hospital in Detroit Lakes.

Funeral Services for Jim will be held Thursday, February 8th at 11:00am in Zion Lutheran Church of Detroit Lakes.  Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 7th at David Donehower Funeral Home from 5:00pm-7:00pm with a 7:00pm Prayer Service.

James Allen Wood was born September 3, 1949 in Detroit Lakes, MN to John “Jack” and Violet (Johnston) Wood.  He was raised and educated in Detroit Lakes graduating from Detroit Lakes High School in 1967.  After high school he attended Bemidji State University.   In 1971, Jim was united in marriage to Deb Onstad at Zion Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes.  Together they had two children, Amanda and Justin.   Jim continued his career alongside his Dad “Jack” at Snappy’s in Detroit Lakes.  After Snappy’s, he worked for Tri State Heating for several years until he partnered with Bob Jamison at Red River Software in Fargo, where he was currently employed.  In 1999, Jim was united in marriage to Lois Schnitzer Chase.  They enjoyed 18 wonderful years together and were looking forward to retirement.   Jim loved being outdoors.  He enjoyed farming, going on fishing trips, and everything about lake life.   He enjoyed coaching basketball, football, and soccer when his kids were younger and as he became a grandpa, his love for sports continued as he followed his grandchildren’s activities.  During the summers you would often find him playing in the water and sand with his grandkids.   Jim also enjoyed travelling when possible, reading a good book, and always looked forward to family gatherings.  The 4th of July family celebrations at the Wood household was always a favorite of his.  Jim instilled in his children a strong work ethic and love for family.  As Jim would always say, “Family matters”.

Jim will be remembered and dearly missed by his wife Lois of Detroit Lakes, his children:  Amanda (Andy) MacDonell of Grand Rapids, MN, Justin (Ann) Wood of Rush City, MN, step-children:  Tyler Chase of Lake City, FL, Logan (Kaleigh) Chase of Nashville, TN, and Kaleb Chase of Fargo, ND.  In addition he is survived by his five grandchildren:  Cydney Wood, Isabella Wood, Jamison Wood, Story Chase and Oaklyn Chase along with one great-grandchild: Audette Wood.   He is also survived by one brother: Gary (Carol) Wood of Bois D’Arc, MO and one sister:  Annie (Paul) Schack of Grand Rapids, MN.

He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Junelle Anderson.