James Wood Memorial

Roy Eaton

reaton@wcmessenger.com

Decatur business and civic leader James Wood Hyundai, 82, died in a Denton hospital Wednesday, April 22, 2020.
He was the owner of General Motors dealerships in Decatur and Denton, James Wood Hyundai in Decatur and Neighborhood Autos used car dealerships in several cities.
Wood was injured in a fall at his home Sunday.

James was born Nov. 4, 1937, to Frank and Lela (Welch) Wood in Bridgeport. He married Shirley Dale Stanley Nov. 7, 1959. He was a graduate of Decatur High School and a member of Victory Family Church.

“Wise County has lost a community icon with the passing of James Wood,” said County Judge J.D. Clark. “A titan of our local business community and a philanthropist with a loving, giving heart, James made an incredible mark on this county. His generous spirit and belief in leaving a place better than you found it has benefited us all. We should all be thankful for his life and strive to have that type of commitment to our community.”

James joined the military after high school and worked at Bell Helicopter in Hurst until a friend convinced him he should be in the car business.

It is ironic that one of the nation’s top General Motors dealers began his career selling Fords in Bridgeport.

James and his wife Shirley operated Tanwood Motor Sales, a used car dealership in Decatur , for a decade until the local Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac and GMC dealership became available. General Motors came calling on Decatur ’s most successful used car dealer to take over the dealership and James Wood Motors became a reality.

James Wood Motors became the nation’s largest GMC dealer in 1989, selling more than 3,000 new trucks. James Wood was the largest GMC truck dealer in Texas for more than a decade.
In 1983, James and Shirley built the current dealership facility. It was expanded in 1989 when the Chevrolet franchise became available. U.S. Senator Phil Gramm was the keynote speaker at the dedication of the new facility.

For a short time, James also owned Decatur ’s Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep dealership until it was sold to Karl Klement in 1987.

James was named Decatur Citizen of the Year in 1989 for his many contributions to the community.

“He was a great model for other business people,” said Decatur Mayor Martin Woodruff. “He’s a good example of the successful businessman who contributes to the good and the welfare of the entire community.”

He was also elected to the GM Presidents Dealer Advisory Council in 1987 and because of his dedication to the Fort Worth Stock Show was elected to its board of directors.
James’ dedication to the Wise County Youth Fair is legendary. He was instrumental in founding the Champions and Blue Ribbon Club to buy projects at the fair. The group has raised more than $1.4 million to purchase projects since 2006.

He was an active buyer of animals at 4-H and FFA shows in Denton, Montague and Jack counties.

James served on the board of Wise Health System for a decade and was instrumental in the building of the main hospital on the East campus and the continued growth of the health care facility.
In 1990, General Motors asked James to consider buying a Buick/GMC dealership in Denton. The next year a Pontiac franchise was added to the Denton store.

In 1994, James and Shirley had the opportunity to buy the North Texas AutoPlex in Denton and added Chevrolet, Cadillac, Oldsmobile, Jeep, Eagle and Mazda to create the James Wood AutoPark. Later the Jeep, Eagle and Mazda franchises were sold.

James loved traveling, cutting horses, raising cattle and most of all spending time with his family and friends. Since his death, the Messenger social media pages have been flooded with memorials from public officials, customers of the dealership and current and former employees.

Retired Sheriff Phil Ryan was one of the first to comment, saying, “He helped people when no one else would.”

James was preceded in death by his parents and son Josh Wood.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley Wood; son Raymond Wood and wife, Pam, and daughter Janetta Wood. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Alex, Hannah, Niki, Natalie and Franklin; 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Because of the current health crisis, a private funeral was held Friday, April 24, at Victory Family Church with private burial at Oaklawn Cemetery. The Rev. Alan Bates, pastor of Victory Family Church, conducted the service.

Pallbearers were Carey Williams, Asa Johnson, Randy Bounds, Denny Aldridge, Russ Ellis and Jeff Horn. The family asked that memorials, if desired, be sent to the Wise Health Foundation 2000 S. FM 51, Decatur , TX 76234.