Date of Birth:
Wednesday, February 26, 1930
Date of Death:
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Age:
95 years old

James Edward Woodfork

James Edward Woodfork, also known as “Woody” to his friends, was a longtime resident and active community member of the Byron, MN area. He departed on May 8, 2025 after 95 years on this earth. Funeral services will be held on May 31, 2025 at the Christ Lutheran Church in Byron, MN. Details can be found on the Byron Funeral Home website.

Born in Ellendale, North Dakota to Edward and Ordelia (Schlenker) Woodfork, the family moved to Pierre, South Dakota where Jim graduated from high school in 1948. After attending Elgin Watchmakers College in Illinois, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1950 during the Korean War. The watch making knowledge Jim gained in Illinois was put to good use on his ship, the USS Markab.

After four years in the Navy, Jim moved to Rochester, MN to work at Woelfel’s Jewelry Store repairing watches. Near the store was a small diner that he would frequent. Jim always requested to be seated in Betty Whipple’s section. James and Betty were married on October 15, 1955.  They would have celebrated their 70th Anniversary this year.

As Jim’s family grew to include two daughters, Teresa and Cathy, he went to work at IBM in Rochester. He eventually became a Senior Electronic Technician. His dad, as well as several others, helped him to build his own house on an acre of land south of Byron. It was easy to find because it was the only pink (Betty’s choice) house on County Road 3.

Upon his retirement at the age of 55, Jim continued to work as a head usher at the Mayo Civic Center for 25 years. His favorite events were high school sporting tournaments. During the “golf season” he worked as a starter at Soldiers Field Golf Course where he consistently played. Each fall, “Woody” immersed himself with the Byron High School Football team. For many years he ran the chains, then in later years took defensive stats for the coaches.  

Jim never let his job stand in the way of all the things he truly loved. “Woody” was a youth football coach, a softball player and umpire, and an avid supporter of all the Byron girls and boys sporting events. His enthusiasm was honored when they named him to the Byron High School Athletics Hall of Fame as a fan. In addition, “Woody” would help out in the community whenever he was needed. As a Lions Club member for many years, he cooked and served a lot of chicken at their fundraising picnics.

Jim loved his family, immediate and extended. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and nephew. Jim could be counted on to show up for every holiday gathering or special event, no matter the weather or distance needed to travel. 

“Woody” was a loyal friend to many people over the course of his life. Those friends came from all walks of life. You might find “Woody” helping a neighbor pour cement on a weekend, or gone several days on a fishing trip with his buddies. Wherever, or whoever he was with, you could always expect an abundance of laughter when he was in the mix. 

He will be deeply missed.

Memorials for Jim can be donated to the Byron American Legion – Post 119 in Byron, Minnesota.