John "Jay" Wood Jr.

John "Jay" Wood Jr.

December 4, 1973 - Friday, August 23, 2013

John “Jay” Wood passed into eternal life on Friday, August 23. 2013, at his home in Bemidji, Minnesota. John was born in Riverside, California, on December 4, 1973, the son of John Wood, Sr. and Verna (Wood) Graves. He attended schools in Bemidji, graduating from Bemidji High School. He attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the Red Lake Community Center, officiated by Rev. George Ross. Visitation will begin at the Center that morning. In accordance with his wishes, Jay’s remains have been cremated, and inurnment will take place following the services at the Red Lake Episcopal Cemetery beside his mother.

Jay is survived by his father, John (Connie) Wood, Sr. of Red Lake Falls, brother Stuart Lepper of Bemidji, sister Wendy (Matt Skoy) Wood of Fargo ND, nephew Kevin Jon Wood, Fargo and aunt Kelly Angus, New Smyrna Beach, FL. He is also survived by special aunt, Judy Roy, special brothers Mike Roy and Victor Roy, Jr., special nephews Bronson and Logan Roy, special niece Victoria Roy, all of Redby, MN. He also leaves behind these cousins and their children; Eloise (Gordon) Jallen, Darlene (Adrian) Lussier, Royce (Diana) Graves, Jr and Joseph (Jill) Graves.

John Wood, Jr. was preceded in death by his mother, Verna Graves, grandparents Joe and Jane (Chaboyea) Graves, uncles and aunts; Royce and Bernadine Graves, Byron and Ruth Graves and several cousins, Preston, Janet and Archie “Gary” Graves. He was proud to have been the great grandson of Peter Graves, “Zhaganaashi”, an early Chief of the Red Lake Nation.

Jay will be remembered for his devotion to his brother Stuart, having dedicated his life to his care. He was also known for his intelligence, his quick and wry wit, his love of sports and his loyalty to all his family and friends.