December 4, 1973 – Friday, August 23, 2013
Service Information
Red Lake Community Center in Red Lake, MN
Thursday, August 29, 2013
1:00 P.M.
Visitation Information
John Charles Wood, Jr
John “Jay” Wood passed into eternal life on Friday, August 23. 2013, at his home in Bemidji, Minnesota. John was born in Riverside, California, on December 4, 1973, the son of John Wood, Sr. and Verna (Wood) Graves. He attended schools in Bemidji, graduating from Bemidji High School. He attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the Red Lake Community Center, officiated by Rev. George Ross. Visitation will begin at the Center that morning. In accordance with his wishes, Jay’s remains have been cremated, and inurnment will take place following the services at the Red Lake Episcopal Cemetery beside his mother.
Jay is survived by his father, John (Connie) Wood, Sr. of Red Lake Falls, brother Stuart Lepper of Bemidji, sister Wendy (Matt Skoy) Wood of Fargo ND, nephew Kevin Jon Wood, Fargo and aunt Kelly Angus, New Smyrna Beach, FL. He is also survived by special aunt, Judy Roy, special brothers Mike Roy and Victor Roy, Jr., special nephews Bronson and Logan Roy, special niece Victoria Roy, all of Redby, MN. He also leaves behind these cousins and their children; Eloise (Gordon) Jallen, Darlene (Adrian) Lussier, Royce (Diana) Graves, Jr and Joseph (Jill) Graves.
John Wood, Jr. was preceded in death by his mother, Verna Graves, grandparents Joe and Jane (Chaboyea) Graves, uncles and aunts; Royce and Bernadine Graves, Byron and Ruth Graves and several cousins, Preston, Janet and Archie “Gary” Graves. He was proud to have been the great grandson of Peter Graves, “Zhaganaashi”, an early Chief of the Red Lake Nation.
Jay will be remembered for his devotion to his brother Stuart, having dedicated his life to his care. He was also known for his intelligence, his quick and wry wit, his love of sports and his loyalty to all his family and friends.
I am thankful for the time that I had spent with Jay when he was a child. Those beautiful eyes, sweet smile, and contagious giggles. Now the angels are holding my nephew in their arms. My heart goes out to the family members and friends that have touched his life on earth.
To my surviving family – John Wood, Wendy, Jessica and Brenda Wood, my sincere condolences. Although you feel the sadness now, reach out and embrace this new journey that our dear departed Jay has ahead of him. Remember him in the fondest of memories and that will be how you will see him. I only regret that I have no memories of him due to our age and distance. Family is what begins and continues our circle. Do not allow that circle to be separate from what binds us all as one.
May you find the peace and strength to move forward and should you need a hand, look to me to walk with you.
Love and peace,
Your cousin, Brenda Wood Wills
I am sorry to hear of your loss. Jay, Matt Hopkins, and my son, Ara Gallo/Lester, went through school together and Jay used to come to the house to visit. Patty Lester