WOODARD, James Ernest Gary 'Jim' - (12 April, 1943 – 30 September, 2018) -
Jim Woodard was born in Toronto on April 12,1943. He attended Humbercrest PS, and was an active member of the St. Johns Road and Farmer Memorial Baptist Church. Jim was on the Toronto Lakeshore rowing crew and the Sr. football team at Humberside Colligate.
At the age of 16 he fell in love with his lifelong sweetheart Rene Packer. He studied further at the Lakeshore Teachers College and then went on to teach in Coe Hill, Ontario for two years starting at the very young age of 19. During the next five years, Jim got married to Rene at the age of 21, received his university degree at York University through summer time and evening classes, all while working full time teaching in North York.
In March of 1970, Jim and Rene moved into their house in Aurora with their two young children Robyn and Shawn, by 1977 Cyndi was born as the third addition to his immediate family. Jim continued to teach for the next 36 years until he retired in 1997.
Jim was very active in his community with organizations such as Theatre Aurora, Scouting and the St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Later on, Jim and Rene became active members of the Northridge Salvation Army. Jim was instrumental in helping and organizing for multiple years the Christmas Kettle Program.
Although Jim battled with various health conditions for many years, the support and care he received from various health care providers gave him the strength he needed to get through each and every day. This allowed Jim to develop many meaningful relationships.
He is survived by his wife Rene, his three children Robyn and her husband Phil, Shawn and his wife Lucinda, and Cyndi and Simon. His 6 grandchildren, Matthieu, Olivia. Lily Anne, James, Maxwell and Sebastian. Jim is also survived by his Sister June Milne and family.
Memorial service will be held at Northridge Community Church of the Salvation Army, 15338 Leslie Street, Aurora on October 4th at 1 p.m.
Donations to the Northridge Salvation Army or The Kidney Foundation of Canada. Arrangements entrusted with Thompson funeral home, Aurora.
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