James Alvin Wood

James Alvin Wood, age 84, of Midland, Texas, passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on December 31, 2025. A man of deep faith, sharp intellect, and endless generosity, James lived a life marked by adventure, learning, and a steadfast devotion to the Word of God.

James was born in Big Spring on March 13, 1941, to Alvin and Mozelle (Heller) Wood. He grew up in Odessa and graduated from Odessa High School in 1959. James was a lifelong Bronchos fan, holding season tickets for many years.

James graduated from Sul Ross in 1964 with a degree in accounting. His love of adventure and the outdoors led him to become an active member of the Sul Ross Cavers, where he enjoyed mapping caves in the Big Bend area.

James was drafted into the Army in 1965 during the Vietnam War. He was sent to truck driving school but spent his military career in a receiving company at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.

James met the love of his life, Mary Boyle, on a blind date. They married on January 23, 1966, when he was on leave from Ft. Bragg. Living in North Carolina was an adventure that included hiking, mountain climbing, the beach, and James parachuting. When James was discharged from the Army, they moved to Midland. Mary was a perfect match for James’ adventurous spirit, and they were always on the go, enjoying 60 years of marriage.

James was a CPA and began his career in public accounting at Main LaFrentz. He later chose to focus on oil and gas accounting, finally retiring from Mack Energy in 2015. He always enjoyed preparing tax returns and providing tax advice for family and friends.

James and Mary’s daughters, Shea and Jenora, are forever grateful for their dad’s love that guided them through their lives. Whether pulling them down “Rio Wadley” in an innertube after a big rain, backpacking at Wheeler Peak, or snow skiing in Ruidoso, they will always remember a dad who was not only fun but also equipped them for life.

James later found his greatest adventures with his grandchildren, teaching them the finer points of a golf swing, walking dogs at Sibley, and leading them on Geocaching "treasure hunts". Pop turned ordinary moments into lasting memories. One of their most memorable trips was to Gatlinburg, Tennessee to climb Mt. LeConte and spend the night at LeConte Lodge where supplies were brought in by llamas.

James was a member of Crestview Baptist Church. Prior to joining Crestview, the family attended Bellview Baptist Church for many years and have maintained lifelong friendships.

James loved the Lord deeply and was known for his extensive knowledge of the Bible. An insatiable reader and lifelong learner, he believed that one’s education in faith and life was never truly finished. His wisdom, humility, and unwavering faith leaves a lasting impression on all who knew him. His life was anchored in the promises of Scripture, and he lived with the assurance found in Psalm 91:1-2.

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"

James is survived by his wife, Mary; his daughters, Shea Alford and husband Danny, and Jenora Truitt; his grandchildren, Kyle Wood and girlfriend Brittany, Kayla Wood, Braden Alford and wife Jaycie, and Reese Alford and wife Landry. He is also survived by his sister, Paulene Budge, and his brother, Glenn Wood and wife Mary Linda. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Mozelle Wood; brothers, Thomas Wood and Fred Wood; sisters, Juanita Gillespie and Edwina Kinney.

James will be laid to rest at a private family burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa.