James "Jim" Woods, 68 of Medina went home to our precious Lord Wednesday April 30, 2014 following a dignified battle with cancer. He was born in San Francisco, CA on Feb. 15, 1946 to the late Joseph H. and Alda V. (Jackson) Woods.

Jim resided in York Township with his family, a devoted husband, father of 5 and authentic follower of Jesus Christ. He served proudly in the Marine Corps from 1964 to 1968 and later resided in Denver, CO where he became politically active. 1979 Jim became a precinct leader for Reagan and a delegate to Adams County. He co-chaired Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) chapter at the University of Colorado. He moved to Atlanta GA and in 1993 was appointed Secretary of Cobb County Republican Party, elected 6th Congressional District (Newt Gingrich) secretary, 7th CD (later Bob Barr) secretary. 1995-1996 He served as State Representative, 32nd House District in Georgia, receiving 100% scores from the Christian Coalition as well as the National Federation of Independent Businessmen. 2003 Jim and family moved to Medina, OH.

In 2008 Jim and wife Lisa, co-founded MCFAN, "Medina County Friends And Neighbors" and participated in many other grassroots groups dedicating countless hours. Jim's life work will forever remain a classic lesson in civics, in its purest sense. Jim always conveyed a genuinely single-minded, selfless animating purpose: to live free, to promote accountability, and to preserve authentic self-government. Jim's example will be indelible and the spirit of his patriotism will continue to inspire those of us who knew him.

For his family Jim was a man of strong faith, critical thinking and sometimes a stern voice but most of all a loving father. He enjoyed the outdoors, hiking, camping and biking. He loved all animals and especially cats. He loved watching his children and encouraged them to always work their hardest - and, "We will Daddy, we love you and you will be severely missed until we meet again with our Lord." Jim is survived by his wife Lisa and children Cody (22), Annikki (16), Rhiannon (15), Lilly (11) and Bridger (9).

In lieu of flowers Contributions may be made in Jim's memory to FARA, the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance, http://www.curefa.org/ or 533 W. Uwchlan Ave, Downingtown, PA 19335.

A Memorial service will be held at 10:30am, Thursday May 8th at the York United Methodist Church, 6566 Norwalk road, Medina; with a visitation prior to the service from 9:30 – 10:30 am. Burial, with Military Honors, will follow at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman. A lunch reception will be served back at the church at 1:30pm.

Online condolences at www.waitefuneralhome.com