James Wood

February 16, 1926 - December 17, 2013

James Howard Wood, a longtime Lebam resident died Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at his home in Lebam; he was 87. He was born in Dogwood, Douglas County, Missouri on February 16, 1926 to William McKinley and Golda (Nelson) Wood. Howard served in the US Navy during World War II, serving at an island located off Okinawa, Japan until the war was over. He returned to Lebam to own and operate shake and shingle mills. Howard employed many local men throughout his years in the mill and logging industries. Once retiring from his businesses he went on to farm cattle. Every Friday he looked forward to the cattle sales in Chehalis. He was known never to settle, he had a great interest for the woods, logging and his mills. Howard was a great father to his daughter, Glenda Mullins (Michael) of Lebam, son Kinney Wood, also of Lebam and a niece, Candace Clift (Danny) of Niangua, Missouri; two grandsons, Alan Mullins (Denise) of Olympia and Randy Mullins of Lebam; three great grandchildren, Eric, Riley and Maddy Jo; as well as several special nieces, nephews and cousins. Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; sisters Elwanda McPherson, Norma Menser and a brother Harold Burks. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 20, 2013 at the Fern Hill Cemetery in Menlo. A gathering will be held following services at the Lebam Community Church. Arrangements are in care of Stoller’s Mortuary in Raymond.