John J. Woods

June 26th, 2023

Dear Eydee, Jim, and Velma,
Since I have only just learned of John’s passing because I asked someone at the film festival about you and John, Eydee, I am not sure you will receive my message at this late time. If I had known, you definitely would have heard from me at the time in 2021.

John always was so nice and a joy to know, always dedicated to whatever he was doing, and obviously very accomplished, yet modest.

Eydee, you were so perfect together, and your work together for Camp Care-a-Lot was such a valued and impressively far-reaching gift. It was at the reception or celebration where I last saw the two of you together, and I’ll always remember John telling me that night how happy he was that the two of you had travelled all over the world together through the years.

Jim and Velma, I’m so glad you had wonderful family times together. Velma, I’m thankful to have met you once at a high school reunion, and I am thankful you and Jim have each other. Jim, having known and you and John since junior high school, I am experiencing such a flood of years of happy memories these few days since I have learned of John’s passing. You both have always been so appreciated, and so was your mother who was especially good to my mother in her last days. I will always be grateful.

All of you have my sincere sympathy in this Earthly loss of John, yet I know he will forever be with you in treasured memory and in spirit.
Until I found this site, I had not known of your sister’s passing either. I wish you all comfort.

If I had been able to attend the most recent JHS reunion, I would have known sooner. Because I had the rare opportunity to be with cousins from out of state, I missed it.

I am thankful you all have each other, and you each and all have my best wishes.

Sincerely,
Judy Robinson

~Judy Robinson
~Friend and longtime classmate, Taylorville, Illinois

November 7th, 2021

My sympathies to all who knew John; he will be missed.

I met John in December of 2009. For the next ten years of Sea Scouts, he was Skipper while I was Committee Chair. He always taught sailing to the youth with kindness, respect and encouragement; he truly represented the spirit of Scouting proudly with grace. I am fortunate to have known him.

Sail on, Skipper!

~Greg Lovekamp
~Friend, Springfield, Illinois

November 6th, 2021

Dear Eydee, Jim and Families

As young children we were together at times, then my family moved to Colorado and we rarely saw our cousins. I had a wonderful day with John, Eydee, and cousin Jean Harrison at Camp Care-A-Lot on their Grandparents Day one summer. Cherished those memories across the years.

Love and prayers for you in your heartbreaking loss
Jean

~Jean Velasquez (Youngs)
~Cousin, Florence Colorado

November 6th, 2021

We found this shot of John in our BVI pictures, and I just wanted to share it. It is such a nice shot of him and really captures his sparkling personality.

~Elise Ransdell
~Friend, Springfield, il

November 6th, 2021

Dearest Edyee,
John & I were so very saddened to learn of John’s passing. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to you & your
families. As we say, may your memories of John be a blessing in your life. It is through the memories we keep close to our hearts that we begin to heal & find peace.
Much love , Eva 🙏💗

~Eva C Muller
~Friend, Spfld, ILL

November 5th, 2021

Eydee and family,

My sympathy to you. I remember the good times we had at Camp-Care-a-Lot. As you might remember, I was a volunteer for several years and enjoyed our friendship not only at camp but through the years.

I just viewed the service — and I learned a lot about John and the impact he had on many lives. He will be missed by his family and many friends.

May God bless you during this time and in the years to come.

~Bonnie Malcor
~friend, Springfield

November 5th, 2021

Eydee, so sorry to hear of your loss. My thought and prayers are with you at this time

Sheri Glazer

~Sheri glazer
~Neighbor, Mundelein, illinois

November 5th, 2021

I met John in the Hippie Days of the 1970’s. We fished and camped and drove his old VW bus to Wisconsin so he could order his first hand made guitar. In the 80’s we were neighbors on and off Old Jacksonville Road. In the 90’s he did our wedding photographs. He was always a nice and easy going guy. So sorry for your loss Eydee.

~David & Pam Williams
~Springfield Friends, Petersburg, IL

November 4th, 2021

Condolences to Eydee and family. John sounds like a wonderful soul who touched so many lives. May he rest in peace.

~Loretta Sotelo
~Friend, Phoenix

November 4th, 2021

At the photography convention, I struck up a conversation with a distinguished looking guy in a tie and sport coat. He was a teacher, doing photography on the side. We enjoyed talking about teaching and photography, and John was always interested in improving his photographic skills. In 1995, he invited me to go sailing in the British Virgin Island for about 10 days, which was quite an experience for me. Through the years we continued to keep in touch, and it doesn’t seem that long ago that we went hiking together down in Shawnee National Forest. We had the same birthday, so for years would call each other and wish each other a Happy Birthday. John was a kind person, he was a sharing person, and he was a giving person. He will be missed, and he will be remembered. What a life he had.

~Dave Cooper
~friend, Benton, IL

November 4th, 2021

In the years I knew John and the infrequent times I was privileged to be with him, John was always, always a terrific guy to be around. A truly wonderful guy. May his memory forever be a blessing to his family and friends.

~Lee Sucherman
~Friend, New Orleans

November 4th, 2021

Eydee- Sending you our deepest condolences for your loss. May John’s memory be for a blessing.

~Ed Zare and Ilene Berns-Zare
~Friend, Arlington Heights, Il

November 4th, 2021

Eydee:
I am so sorry to hear of John’s death. May your many happy memories of him sustain you during this sad time.

~Kathy Dehen
~friend, Springfield, IL

November 4th, 2021

Dear Eydee-so sorry about the loss of your much beloved John. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of unfathomable grief. May his memory be a blessing.

~Isabel Parrott
~Friend, Springfield, IL

November 4th, 2021

Eydee, so sorry to read of John’s passing. I know that he has been struggling for some time, you did such a great job looking after him. My thoughts and prayers are with John and you and your families. It doesn’t seem like over 30 years ago that John did our oldest daughter’s wedding pictures and with your help directing things at the wedding. You guys are great.

~Thomas E Erickson
~Friend, Taxpreparer, Springfield, IL 62711

November 4th, 2021

We will remember John’s smile and his kindness. We have good memories of him and Eddie at SERTOMA socials. We miss him.

~Richard and Deb Moldenhauer
~Friend, Springfield, IL

November 3rd, 2021

You were such an awesome teacher u are gonna be missed dearly r.i.p my friend

~Gerald Bristow
~Student, Springfield Illinois

November 3rd, 2021

John was a wonderful man. He was quiet but when he spoke his words were profound, witty, and almost always funny. His spirit will forever be with me as he has greatly influenced my life over the years. To Eydee and his family, know that you are not alone in your sorrow during this time. All my love.

~Julia Brown
~Friend, Springfield, IL

November 3rd, 2021

I really got to know John and Jim while in high school. Rock solid personality then when least suspecting something, he’d play a trick on you! Didn’t have the pleasure to meet you Edyee but I know John only wanted the finest around him. That’s why he chose you for life. My condolences to your beautiful family.

~Linda Newman Price
~Classmate, Wheaton IL

November 3rd, 2021

I will miss John’s sincere friendship and stories of his journeys. I am thankful for the fun times we spent with him over the winters in Naples. RIP dear friend.
Hugs to Eydee.

~Marcia A Knapp
~friend, Naples, FL

November 2nd, 2021

I will always remember the great times at camp and his kind, warm smile. John will be missed dearly.

Eydee & family, sending you my love and a big hug.
-Kelsea

~Kelsea Currie
~Camp Care-A-Lot friend, Springfield, IL

November 2nd, 2021

My heart goes out to you Eydee for your loss. I know John was a wonderful life partner. May his spirit be buoyant as he merges with the cosmos. And may your memories with him continue to enrich your own life.

~Pamela Salela
~Friend, Springfield

November 2nd, 2021

I was in SERTOMA with John several years ago. I remember his kindness and sincere care and concern for others. He and Eydee were a perfect couple and dedicated to those less fortunate. Camp Coco meant so much to them. You will be missed John. Prayers for the comfort and peace to the family.

~Dave Harshaw
~Aquantance, Springfield, IL

November 2nd, 2021

Not only did John do the pictures at our wedding, but he also captained a trip in the BVI with us, amazing times! John put up with our entire family, and we got to enjoy the company of Fran and Marilyn as well. He was just the nicest guy and super fun to be around. Eydee and family, we are so sorry for your loss, and our thoughts are with you.

~Ed and Elise Holt
~Springfield Friends, Springfield

November 2nd, 2021

John was our captain on a trip to the Virgin Islands. He and I made a trip to Alaska for fourteen days back in the seventies. He was always congenial and a heck of a good photographer. He will be missed. John Ransdell

~John and Sandy Ransdell
~Friends, Springfield, IL

November 2nd, 2021

Mr Woods was my freshman english teacher and my favorite teacher through my high school years at Lanphier High School. He was always smiling and friendly as I passed in the halls of Lanphier.
I’m so sorry to hear of his passing and I send prayers for him and family.

~Kimberly Lucas
~1970 Lanphier student, Springfield, Illinois

November 2nd, 2021

Although John was may cousin, we were only together a handful of times. I enjoyed those times, the stories of family and his adventures. To Eydee and Jim, you have my deepest sympathy at this time of deep loss and pray for comfort for all of you.

~Patty Rinehart
~Cousin, Eagleville

November 2nd, 2021

We remember John’s calmness, mellowness, great travel and boating stories, and his dedication to give back. Warmest love and support to Eydee. Love, Beth and Chris

~Beth Schachtman, Chris Schnaufer
~cousin of his partner, Tucson

November 2nd, 2021

A Final Message to Captain Johnny – Though you were taken from us much too soon and we will miss you terribly, we find comfort in the fact that you will live forever in the hearts of all who loved you.

And as you now sail away into the eternal mysteries of the cosmos, may you always have blue skies, smooth waters, gentle winds, and an endless supply of good coffee. Go in peace dear brother. We love you. Jimmy and Velma

~Velma Woods
~sister-in-law, Olympia, WA

November 2nd, 2021

I am so sorry about the passing of John. My sympathies and prayers to Eydee/family/ friends . May his memory be for a blessing.

~Cary Israel
~, Springfield Illinois