James "Jim" Rae Wood

James R. Wood, 91, of Washington, formerly of Iowa City, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at his home in Washington. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Iowa City, with Pastor Alberta Erwin officiating. The service will be available via Livestream at the Beatty Peterseim Facebook and YouTube pages. The family will greet friends from 9 until 10:45 AM at the church. James has been cremated, and burial will take place at a later date at Bethel Cemetery in Alpha, IA. A general memorial fund has been established. The Beatty Peterseim Funeral Home is assisting the family.

James Rae “Jim” Wood was born November 24, 1933, in Fayette County, Iowa, the son of Raymond Orville and Marjorie Leta (Duncan) Wood. He graduated from Maynard High School and the University of Dubuque. Jim served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1960. On December 26, 1955, he was united in marriage to Mardith “Mardee” Richardson at the Grace United Methodist Church. Jim worked for the IRS, retiring after 20 years. He remained active, working at the church, and lent his lovely tenor voice to the church choir. He was a part of the men’s group at the church. Jim enjoyed reading, was a coin and stamp collector, and a history buff.

Survivors include his wife Mardee of Washington, IA, two children: Ellen Janet (Michael) Hartson of Washington, IA, and Robert James (Sandra Adelmund) Wood of Coon Rapids, MN; three grandchildren: Amanda, Alexander and Cameron; three great-grandchildren: Lincoln, Nehemiah and Malakai, three brothers: Jan (Lois) Wood, Joel (Pam) Wood and Jere (Theresa) Wood, and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Jim in death were his parents.