Jess Woodman Jr.

Jess O. Woodman, Jr., 82, of Godfrey left this world after a courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 9:43 PM to be with his Lord. Born on October 24, 1932 in Cleveland, OH, he was the son of Jess O. Woodman, Sr. and Irene Marie (Deorio) Woodman. His family also lived in Oklahoma. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and was married to the former Peggy Means for 26 years until her passing. They had four children. Jess married Amy Ensley on June 9, 1978 and she survives. On February 3, 2002 his life was transformed when he asked Jesus into his heart. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Alton, IL. Following in his father's footsteps he became a collision repair specialist working at area dealerships and then opened Custom Auto Body and later Woodman Auto Body in Alton. After retiring from the collision business Jess worked and retired as a claims adjustor with Sentry Insurance Company and then for eleven years managed the Bethalto Wash-N-Go. He was a boxer as a young man, drag raced throughout the Midwest, and enjoyed street rodding and membership in the FBI (a car club-Fat Boys of IL). His children include Jess H. Woodman (Ginger) of Godfrey, Stacie R. Woodman of E. Alton, Darrell R. Woodman (Linnette) of Lafayette, IN, and Theresa Taylor (David) of Camdenton, Mo. A son, Danny L. Woodman died on February 3, 1981. He was proud of his grandchildren - Chad (Meredith), Ryan (Samantha), Luke, and Emma Woodman, Justin Skurat, and Bethany and Crystal Woodman whom he adopted and raised. He adored his great-grandchildren - Clay, Elle, Owen, Lilly, and Kailey Woodman, Makaylah Harrington, and Silas Skurat. Also surviving are three sisters - Shirley Lyerla, Irene Besaw, and Dina Reed. His two brothers - Paul and Bill Woodman preceded him in death. Visitation will be from 4:00 -8:00 Tuesday, June 9 at Gent Funeral Home. A celebration with full military honors will be at 2:00 Wednesday, June 10 at Calvary Baptist Church in Alton. Reverend Andre Dobson will officiate. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Church or Wounded Warriors. PDF Printable Version

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Jess Woodman Jr.

October 24, 1932 - June 6, 2015