James C. Wood, 88, of Lake Placid FL went home to be with the Lord on Friday December 22, 2023 at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Sebring FL. Jim was born September 24, 1935, to Lillian (Lardie) & Stanley W. Wood. #9 of 10 children. After graduating from St Francis High school in 1953, he joined the US Navy proudly serving on the USS Saratoga. After the Navy he went to work as a Semi Truck Driver. Most of his friends knew him simply as "Woody" his CB radio handle. In 1977 while Woody was roaring on the roads, he met his wife of 43 years Patricia Ballard Johnson "Peppermint Patti".  When Woody retired he and Peppermint Patti traveled around Florida to visit friends. They visited Tropical Harbor Estates in Lake Placid where they decided to winter and eventually moving permanently from Gaylord MI. Jim was a past president of the Tropical Harbor HOA, He loved to talk to his buddies, swim, play pool, and many other community activities but mostly he loved to spend time with his family. Anytime that he could spend with his 12 Grandchildren or 11 Great-  grandchildren he loved it. If he could make it for their school events it was even better, he always supported them with a good job or a big grandpa hug! Jim is survived by his children, Timothy Wood, Michele (Patrick) Vaughn, Susan (Randy) Patterson, Dawn (Michael) Veldhuis, Nancy Madagame, Thomas Johnson and his brother Tom Wood. Preceding in death, his loving wife Patrica L. Wood, parents, brothers and sisters-Betty, Nell, Barb, Donna, John, Stanley, George, Francis. A celebration of Jim's life and United States military service will be held in Gaylord MI at a later date.