Dr. James "Jim" Woodward

Dr. James “Jim” Woodward, Jr. was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on July 26, 1929 to James M. Woodward and Marguerite Louise Woodward. He passed away on February 18, 2021, at Holly Creek Retirement Community in Centennial. He attended the University of Nebraska where he was affiliated with the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, then continued his medical training at the University of Iowa, where he specialized in Ophthalmology.  He met his wife, Marion Fetzer, at the University of Iowa. After graduation, he joined the Air Force as a physician and was stationed at Andrew’s Air Force Base, then, with his children, Steven and Carolyn, moved to Denver in 1962. He joined Arthur G. Starr in forming the practice of Starr & Woodward which eventually became the Denver Eye Clinic.

He was known for his gregarious and friendly personality, his love of knowledge, music, and laughing with good friends. He adored music and dancing, and if the right song came on, any woman could be fair game to be spun around the room. He was an avid traveler and fancied himself fluent in several languages, at least in the crucial words that could get you a drink or to the beach. As he aged, taking a walk with him was challenging, for he would speak with any stranger and engage them in a story. He would always stoop to pick up trash, determined he would leave the world a better place. He was involved in the Denver Rotary for over 30 years and was proud of his “perfect attendance” record. He was a president of the Colorado Ophthalmological Association and, after retirement, volunteered at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. He was afflicted for many of the last few years with dementia, but a smile was often found, especially when discussing his childhood, his career, or his beautiful wife.

He is survived by his wife, Marion, his children, son Steven (fiancée Claudine Brandt), daughter Carolyn Pope (husband Steve), and former daughter-in-law Deborah Woodward, grandchildren Brandie Dallmann (husband Matt), Susie Bortz (husband Jarid), Michael Woodward, Jessica Woodward (fiancé Brian Yingling), Mara Pope and Mitchell (Maxine) Woodward, along with great grandchildren Elizabeth Bortz and Allie Dallmann.

He will be interred at First Plymouth Congregational Church. Memorial service and celebration to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Alzheimer’s Association.

(www.alz.org/donate) or the Denver Rotary Club (www.denverrotary.org).