Charles James (Jim) Wood, 99, of Longwood, Florida, peacefully passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024.
Jim was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and at age 18, his desire to fight for his country inspired him to enlist in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served during World War II as a B26 radio operator/gunner in Europe. He had lots of stories about his missions over Italy. After 64 missions, and a short stint at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Jim turned his attention to college with the GI Bill. He attended Ohio University. There, on the first day of his registration, he met his future wife, Tillie Palfy. He was married to her for 64 years, and together, they had four children.
A resident of St Petersburg for 73 years, Jim served one term as a Pinellas County, Florida, County Commissioner, beginning in 1952 – following with serving until 2017 as a Republican Precinct Committeeman -- into his 90’s.
Jim worked at General Electric in several capacities, finishing in 1980 after 23 years, as a Systems Designer. Jim then became a realtor for Lambrecht and Associates and during that time, Jim helped his son, Gregory, with an upstart business and was also the Chairman of the Republican Party in Pinellas County.
Most importantly, Jim loved the Lord, and was extremely grateful for every day and every situation that came his way. Knowing Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior was the basis for how Jim lived every day. Throughout his time in St Petersburg, he held numerous positions during his 70+ years at Woodlawn Presbyterian Church and in the Presbytery.
Jim married Miriam Chimienti in April 2013 (at age 88). He was happy to gain more family members. Miriam passed away in November 2018, leaving Jim a widower at 94 years old.
He co-authored The 100 Year March to a Two Party Florida by Pinellas Republicans, which recounted 100 years of the Republican Party history in Florida. He also wrote his autobiography as well as several unfinished written works.
He is predeceased by his wives, Tilly Palfy and Miriam Chimienti; brother, Harry; and son, Gregory Wood.
He is survived by his daughter, Susan Taylor (KO); daughter-in-law, Theresa Wood; son, Stephen Wood; daughter, Janet Lauer (Ted); and step-daughter, Kimberly Sanders (Ted), and many, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Longwood.
*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.
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