Jacob Earl Woody

Jacob Earl Woody Jr. was born in Eldon, MO, on September 24, 1939, to Jacob Sr. and Norma Woody, and died at his home in Rocky Ford on Monday, November 29, 2021.

Jake graduated from Rocky Ford High School and married Murlene Guyer Dery and then enlisted in the Navy. To this union, one son was born, Jacob Andrew. Upon discharge from the Navy, he returned to Rocky Ford. Jake married Joan Hopkins Woody in 1966 at which time they moved to Littleton to begin raising a family. Two children were born to them, Jackie Lynn of Aurora and John David of Colorado Springs. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Kimberly, Sean and David, and three great-grandchildren, Adalynn, Xavier and Rylie.

The family returned to Rocky Ford in 1975 at which time Jake began a custom farming business in the Arkansas Valley. When he changed career paths after farming, he returned to school for Civil Engineering and graduated with an Associate’s Degree. He became a surveyor for the National Parks Department traveling throughout the western United States. After leaving the Parks Department, he worked for J. R. Engineering in Colorado Springs as a land surveyor. Upon retirement from J. R. Engineering, he returned to Rocky Ford and worked part-time for Diamond D Farms harvesting alfalfa. After several months of full retirement, he drove part-time for Renzenberger, a company providing transportation for railroad employees.

Jake volunteered for many years with the Rocky Mountain Council of Boy Scouts where he was elected into the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s National Honor Society. Because of his selfless commitment to the Boy Scouts of America, he was nominated for and received the Silver Beaver award.

His retirement was consumed with caring for his wife, Joan, after her bout with West Nile Virus. Joan expired in April of this year.

In addition to his children and grandchildren, he is survived by three sisters, Ann Woody and Mary Sackett of Rocky Ford, and Linda McGuire of Colorado Springs. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Joan, two sisters, Mae Williams of Albuquerque and Helen Woody of Sacramento, and one brother, Ed, of Rocky Ford.

As per Jake’s request cremation has taken place and a private service for Jake & Joan will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.