James Wood Memorial
In Loving Memory of James F. Wood
By Roy Eaton | reaton@wcmessenger.com
Decatur business and civic leader James F. Wood, 82, passed away in a Denton hospital on Wednesday, April 22, 2020. He was the owner of General Motors dealerships in Decatur and Denton, James Wood Hyundai in Decatur, and Neighborhood Autos used car dealerships in several cities. He was injured in a fall at his home on Sunday.
Born on November 4, 1937, to Frank and Lela (Welch) Wood in Bridgeport, James married Shirley Dale Stanley on November 7, 1959. He graduated from Decatur High School and was a member of Victory Family Church.
“Wise County has lost a community icon with the passing of James Wood,” said County Judge J.D. Clark. “A titan of our local business community and a philanthropist with a loving, giving heart, James made an incredible mark on this county...”
James joined the military after high school and worked at Bell Helicopter in Hurst before entering the automotive business. Ironically, one of the nation’s top General Motors dealers began his career selling Fords in Bridgeport.
He and his wife Shirley operated Tanwood Motor Sales, a used car dealership in Decatur, for 10 years. Later, James Wood Motors became a reality when General Motors approached him to take over a local dealership. In 1989, James Wood Motors became the nation’s largest GMC dealer, selling over 3,000 new trucks. The dealership was the largest GMC truck dealer in Texas for more than a decade.
In 1983, the Woods built the current dealership facility, which was expanded in 1989 with the addition of the Chevrolet franchise. U.S. Senator Phil Gramm was the keynote speaker at its dedication. James also briefly owned Decatur’s Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep dealership until 1987.
He was named Decatur Citizen of the Year in 1989 for his contributions to the community. “He was a great model for other business people,” said Mayor Martin Woodruff.
James served on the GM Presidents Dealer Advisory Council in 1987 and the board of directors for the Fort Worth Stock Show. His dedication to the Wise County Youth Fair is legendary—founding the Champions and Blue Ribbon Club, which has raised over $1.4 million since 2006 to support youth projects.
He also actively supported 4-H and FFA shows in Denton, Montague, and Jack counties. His contributions extended to healthcare, serving a decade on the board of Wise Health System and supporting its growth and development.
In 1990, General Motors approached him to purchase a Buick/GMC dealership in Denton. In the following years, he added other franchises, eventually forming the James Wood AutoPark.
Outside of business, James enjoyed traveling, cutting horses, raising cattle, and spending time with family and friends. His legacy was echoed across social media following his death. Retired Sheriff Phil Ryan noted, “He helped people when no one else would.”
James was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Josh Wood. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley Wood; son Raymond Wood and wife Pam; daughter Janetta Wood; grandchildren Alex, Hannah, Niki, Natalie, and Franklin; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Due to the ongoing health crisis, a private funeral was held Friday, April 24, at Victory Family Church with burial at Oaklawn Cemetery. Pastor Alan Bates conducted the service.
Pallbearers: Carey Williams, Asa Johnson, Randy Bounds, Denny Aldridge, Russ Ellis, Jeff Horn.
The family requests that memorial donations be sent to:
Wise Health Foundation2000 S. FM 51
Decatur, TX 76234-2722
