JAMES WILIAM WOOD

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JAMES WILIAM WOOD

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James William Wood (Jim) of Brandon, Manitoba, on October 6, 2026, at the age of 98.

Jim was born July 5, 1928, in Hartney, Manitoba, to Muriel and Robert Wood. He grew up alongside his sisters, Phyllis and Jean, and was an adventurous child who, together with his best friend, Irwin Reid, found plenty of ways to get into mischief. Their friendship lasted an extraordinary 95 years.

At the age of 14, Jim joined the 12th MB Dragoons. He was credited with 318 active days during the Second World War. Through hard work, determination and dedication, he rose through the ranks to become a highly respected Naval Commanding Officer. He was deeply proud of his service to Canada.

In 1950, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Melba Scharff. Together, they raised four children: Jamie (Digna), Doug (Laurie), Melanie (Todd), and Michelle (Wade). Their family grew to include 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. During their married life, Jim and Melba lived on all three coasts of Canada, collecting memories and friendships wherever life took them.

After retiring from the Royal Canadian Navy in 1978, Jim and Melba moved home to be closer to family and began farming in the Forbes district. In1989, they moved to Killarney and, in 1996, settled in Brandon. Melba passed away in 1997.

Family was always at the heart of Jim's life. He was immensely proud of his children and took great joy in watching his family grow through the years. He loved having his grandchildren around him and was always ready to share a story, a joke or a little bit of wisdom.

Jim was a man who believed in giving back to the communities he called home. He was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Elks Club, and was always willing to lend a hand.

In his younger years, he was drafted by the New York Rangers but chose a career in the Navy instead. Jim even served as a line judge for CFL games in Ottawa. He also had a lifelong fascination with aviation and took great pleasure in building and flying his RC planes and participating in airshows.

In 2005, Jim met Beverly Day, and they were married on July 13, 2007. Through Bev, Jim welcomed Jim (Rosanne), Shelly (Doug Volk), and Sandra (Kent McCutcheon) and their children into his family. Jim and Bev shared many happy years together in Brandon and Texas.

To his family, Jim was so much more than the years he lived or the accomplishments he achieved. He was the keeper of family stories, the teller of jokes, the card player, the one who could make people laugh. His greatest legacy is not only what he accomplished, but the people he loved and the lives he touched.

Jim will be deeply missed, but he will never be forgotten.

A heartfelt funeral service celebrating Jim's life was held at Knox United Church. Jim was laid to rest at Hartney Riverside Cemetery, where the Royal Canadian Legion provided an honour guard tribute in recognition of Jim's service to his country.

Special thanks to Reverend Craig Miller and Dexter of Kowalchuk Funeral Home for excellent care of the arrangements.

Rest peacefully, Dad. We love you.

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 07, 2026