James (Jimmy) Ray Woody was born July 21, 1992, in Kansas City, Missouri. He passed away in his home in El Dorado Springs, Missouri on November 1, 2021.
Jimmy became interested in music early in life. He began playing violin in the 4th grade in Raytown, Missouri. In the middle of the 6th grade his family moved to El Dorado Springs, Missouri. Since there was no orchestra program he switched to band and learned how to play the tenor saxophone. Around the age of 16 he got an electric guitar and self-taught that, then keyboards, then bass guitar and drums. He could play almost any instrument he picked up. In high school he began composing music that sounded like a cross between metal and Mozart. He continued to write music and eventually formed a band called James and The Nasty Peach with two of his fellow high school bandmates and his younger brother. Though he had neither the opportunity nor time to become a rock star, his legacy will live on through the music he created.
Jimmy learned how to be a hero through his deep love of Marvel comics, movies, and action figures. As an adult it was nothing to find him walking around with an action figure in his pocket. He was a big kid at heart with a kind and free-spirited soul that was a light to anyone who knew him. He loved hard, was fiercely devoted to his family and friends, and never hesitated to help someone in need. He cared about people and often made sure other’s needs were met before his own. He cherished his roles as son, brother, uncle, friend, and stepfather. His loss leaves a large hole in the hearts and lives of those who knew and loved him, and he will be deeply missed.
Jimmy leaves behind his parents Danny and Laura Woody; sisters Darla and Grace; brother Chris; nephew Lucas; niece Heavenly; grandfathers David Gordon and Steve Woody; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.