James Alan “Jimmy” Woodward, born October 27, 1954, in Columbus, Mississippi, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on January 14, 2025. He was the son of the late George and Mavis Rickman Woodward. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Friday, January 17 in the Massey Funeral Home Chapel in Louisville, Mississippi, with the Reverend Dr. Stacey Parvin officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service from 2 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will immediately follow the service in Betheden Cemetery.
Jimmy graduated from Louisville High School in 1972 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from Mississippi State University in 1976. Over the course of his career, he held various positions with the United States government and retired as a rural letter mail carrier with the United States Postal Service.
A man of deep faith, Jimmy was a devoted member of Betheden Lutheran Church. He dedicated much of his time to serving others through his work with the Salt and Light Ministry, where he ministered to prisoners and shared his unwavering belief in hope and redemption.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Larry Woodward; brother-in-law, Ron Yarbrough; his beloved aunt, Lois Pennington; and his mother-in-law, Lynda Yarbrough.
He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Tara Woodward; his sons, Matt (Kristin) Woodward and Andrew (Maci) Woodward; and five cherished grandchildren: William Woodward, Hudson Woodward, Harper Woodward, Casey Woodward, and James Weston Woodward. He also leaves behind his father-in-law, Jim Yarbrough; sisters-in-law, Margaret Woodward and Ginny (Patrick) Deliman; brother-in-law, Jamie Yarbrough; and numerous nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly.
Jimmy’s life was marked by devotion to family, faith, and community. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to all who mourn his passing.
Serving as pallbearers are Pat Deliman, Corey Hancock, Stephen Mercer, and Pat Peterson. Memorials in honor Jimmy may be given to Betheden Lutheran Church, P. O. Box 508, Louisville, MS 39339.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Gentiva Hospice especially Melissa Flake and Jeri Wooten.
Services are under the direction of Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.masseyfuneralhome.net.
