James Edward Woodall Obituary (1924

Lt. Col. (Ret.) USAF James Edward Woodall passed away and moved to be with the Lord on Aug. 7, 2016. James, commonly known as Jim, was born on Oct. 15, 1924, in Opp, Ala. After graduating high school Jim heroically volunteered to enter WW II as an AAF cadet pilot. After earning his wings, he entered the war as a replacement pilot and actually hitchhiked across parts of Europe to join his unit the 352nd Fighter Group, also known as "The Blue Nosed Basterds Of Bodney." He was assigned to the 487th Fighter Squadron and piloted the P-51 D Mustang. After the war ended he served one year in Germany and then returned home to enter college and pursue his passion of becoming an architect. Jim graduated from Auburn University in 1951 and soon afterward opened his own practice in Tuscaloosa, Ala. While in Tuscaloosa he met the love of his life, Linda Broughton Woodall. They remained happily married for 53 years. The Woodall family eventually moved to Houston, Texas, where Jim spent the remainder of his life. Over his lifetime Jim designed and/or oversaw the design and building of many residential and commercial buildings, two fraternity houses at the University Of Alabama, a Catholic church in Tuscaloosa, two elementary schools, and parts of the Fayetteville Power Plant in Texas. He retired from Bechtel in the early 1980s, but continued to work. Jim also designed and built his own home in Houston. Jim loved sports of all types and was an avid golfer. He was active in sports from childhood until well into his late 70s. He loved people and animals alike, especially his black labs. My dad taught me how to fish, hunt, and the importance of wildlife conservation. He "loved," which was my father's foundation! My dad was an outstanding watercolor artist, and was a member of "The Greatest Generation!" He will be sorely missed as both a husband and father, and a friend to many. He is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Jamie (Becky) Woodall; and his daughter, Misty. Contributions in his memory can be made to The National Parkinson's Foundation, and of equal importance the Bethel Primitive Baptist Church And cemetery located in the Babbie. (Bethel Cemetery Commission Inc. 22733 John Road Andalusia, AL 36421). A service and burial will be at the Bethel Primitive Baptist Cemetery in the coming weeks. The family expresses thanks to all who have shown their love and compassion during this time of hardship and loss.