Stockton – Arnold M. "Jim" Wood 92, passed away on November 6, 2023.  Jim was the youngest of 10 children of Lee and Leota (Cosier) Wood, born at home near Granite Falls, MN, on September 14, 1931.  He went to Parnell No.5 country school near Elkton, SD, and completed his high school in Brookings, SD.

Jim was married to Betty Paulson, his high school sweetheart and the love of his life for 65 years.  She passed away on January 17, 2015.

Jim served honorably in the US Army during the Korean War.  He was a member of Post 449 American Legion in Stockton.  After completing college at South Dakota State, Jim worked for Kraft as a Dairy Farm Specialist for thirty-seven years. Jim was a lifetime member of the Antique Airplane Association.  He had a flight instructor rating and taught flying for fourteen years.  He was a charter member of Stockton Blackhawk Athletic Boosters and Tyler's Justice Center.  He was a member of the Volunteer Hospice and Friends Forever Humane Society.  Jim was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Warren, IL.  He served many positions in Christ Lutheran and St. Paul's Lutheran churches on the church council and teaching Sunday School.  Jim served eighteen years on the Stockton town board, eight of which was as town President.

Jim enjoyed working with wood and did many carpenter projects.  He helped build houses and garages, did roofing, and refinished and refurbished old wood furniture.  Jim is survived by his daughter, Jeanie (Stan) Krok, of Celebration FL, granddaughter, Megan Durica, Chicago, IL, grandson Jason Krok, Celebration FL, three great granddaughters, two goddaughters, nieces, nephews and many very good friends.  He is predeceased by his wife, all of his siblings, several nieces and nephews, his parents and his in-laws Hans and Petra Paulson.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or a charity of your choice in Jim's name.

There will be a visitation on Monday, November 13, 2023 beginning at 10am followed by a service at 11am all at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Warren, Illinois with Pastor Steve Kottke officiating.

Thank you to Rebecca Myers, Lily Curtiss, Dan and Peggy Korth, Daylon and Diane Niemann and FHN Hospice for your wonderful care.

-Obituary written by Arnold (Jim) Wood