John Russell “J.R.” Wood, age 67, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026, at his residence in Bryceville, FL. He was born on September 14, 1959, to the late Janice Kay and Russell Lee Wood in Morgantown, WV. J.R. proudly served in the United States Army for 21 years as a tanker. He was stationed at Army installations in Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Kentucky, and Germany, and served tours in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Joint Endeavor. J.R. retired from the Army as a First Sergeant in 1998 and then continued his service as a JROTC Instructor at Lake City High School in Lake City, Florida.

J.R. was an active member of VFW Post 7909, serving as a Veterans Service Officer and in many other positions, and as an Elder at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. He was also blessed to have great family, friends, and neighbors.

J.R. is survived by his wife of 37 years, Betty Jo “Jody” Wood; children, Sarah (Tim) Mosley and Nicholas (Jen) Wood; grandchildren, Shiloh, William, Lorelei, Jack, Cassidy and Dylan; siblings, Candy Paulk, Gregg (Barbara) Wood, Sandy (Everett) Ogden, Kristy Gibbons, and Kevin Wood; sister-in-law, Judy (Bob) Wendt; his dog, Tillee; and numerous nephews and nieces.

J.R. will be deeply missed. Old soldiers never die; they just fade away. 1SG will always be with us!

The tribute above was prepared by J.R.’s loving family.

A Celebration of J.R.’s Life will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Nassau Funeral Home with Elder Summer Hackney officiating. Interment will follow at Jacksonville National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. where military honors will be rendered. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in J.R.’s memory may be made to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 6317 103rd Street, Jacksonville, FL 32210 or a charity of your choice. The arrangements are under the care and direction of Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 US-1, Callahan, Florida 32011. 904-879-1770. Visit www.nassaufh.com to sign the family’s guest book.