James "Jim" Wood III

James “Jim” W. Wood III, 68, of Bedford, died on June 29, 2018 at his home. He was born on December 1, 1949, in Dalton, GA, a son of the late James W. and Betty J. (Wallace) Wood who survives of Bedford. On April 27, 1974, in Bedford, he married Kathryn (McGill) Wood who survives along with a daughter, Courtney Leydig and husband Blair, of Bedford; two grandchildren; Darby and Isabel Leydig; two sisters, Anna Belle Sellers and husband Gary, of Bedford, E. Jeanie Long and husband Carl, of Reading; two brothers, David E. Wood, of TX, Phillip A. Wood and wife Gloria, of Schellsburg and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by a son, James W. Wood, IV.

Jim retired as a line superintendent with Bedford Rural Electric Cooperative in Bedford. He enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters and surf fishing at Indian River Inlet and the Outer Banks.  He enjoyed remodeling, working constantly on his home. 

He graduated from Bedford High School, class of 1968 where he played football and then attended Green Briar Military Academy and Ferrum Junior College.  He was a Sargent First Class in the Army and served in Viet Nam from May, 1970 to January 1972.  He received the Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and the Sharp Shooter Medal.

Jim had a fun loving and friendly personality and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

A James William Wood scholarship fund will be established in Jim’s memory as well as Jim’s grandfather, father and son.  For those wishing to contribute, donations can be made at the Schellsburg or Bedford branches of the First National Bank of PA.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 10, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., in the Chapel, at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford, with Rev. Dan Oldham officiating.  Burial at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery, with full military rites conducted by the Fort Bedford Honor Guard.  Friends will be received on Monday, July 9, 2018 from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home.  Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.