James W. “Jim” Woodard was born on January 19, 1943, in Jackson, Tennessee, to Mildred and Wallie Woodard. He grew up surrounded by family, including his older sister Beverly and younger siblings Vickie, Debbie, and Billy. Jim passed away on December 6th, 2025, after a long and courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. 

Jim graduated from Jackson High School and went on to attend Memphis State University, where he served as president of his fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha. Though his passion was art, Jim chose to major in Business Administration, graduating in 1968, because he knew he wanted to build a life that could support a family.

While at Memphis State, Jim met Pamela Anderson of Chattanooga, Tennessee, on a blind date that marked the beginning of a life they would build together, one he always called the “best date ever.” After college, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country with honor. His service included assignments aboard the USS Frontier, followed by two tours in Vietnam on the USS Turner Joy and later the USS Acme, where he patrolled the rivers of Vietnam. Upon returning home, Jim and Pam were married in Chattanooga and were later stationed at Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Illinois.

After four years in the Navy, Jim began his professional career, briefly working for General Electric in Memphis and BF Ascher in Denver before finding his calling with Boehringer Ingelheim in pharmaceutical sales. Jim excelled in his work, earning awards, lifelong friendships, and rising from top sales representative to trainer and district manager. He was an original member of the company’s President’s Club, a distinction he earned through both talent and integrity.

In 1972, Jim and Pam made Denver, Colorado, their home, moving west with little more than a tent, a sense of adventure, and faith that things would work out. They later moved to Colorado Springs, where they raised their two daughters, Lisa and Ashley. Jim was a devoted and hands-on father who loved sharing the world with his girls, teaching them how to ski, ride bikes, camp, and hike. He and Pam took them on unforgettable family vacations, including many road trips through National Parks. 

Jim embraced life fully and found his greatest joy in the outdoors. He loved skiing, hiking, photography, and the mountains, and he had a gift for storytelling that made every experience richer. He was always ready to take family, friends, and colleagues on an adventure in the mountains. 

A devout Catholic, Jim was a longtime member of Holy Apostles Catholic Church, where he attended for more than 40 years. After retirement, he attended daily Mass whenever he was able, finding comfort and strength in his faith.

Jim lived with intention after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, fitting an impressive amount of living and adventuring into the years he had. While the final chapter was difficult, especially for his beloved Pam, his family finds peace knowing he is no longer suffering.

Jim was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, a great brother, and a loyal friend. He lived a beautiful life full of curiosity, generosity, adventure, and love, and he will be deeply missed.

Jim is survived by his wife, Pam; daughters Lisa (Bob) and Ashley; sisters Vickie (Lamar) and Debbie (Marty); grandchildren Woody and Denver; and many close friends who became like family over the years.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Apostles Catholic Church in Colorado Springs at 11:00 a.m. on December 22, followed by burial at Pikes Peak National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.