James E. Woodworth, 73, of Bridgewater, formerly of Brockton, passed away May 16, after a brief illness, with his family by his side.
He was the husband of the late Marilyn (Fiske) Woodworth and son of the late Harry G. Woodworth and Agnes (Samuelson) (Woodworth) Dean. James was born in Brockton, was a graduate of Brockton High School and Stonehill College, and did graduate work at Salem State College and Bridgewater State College. During the Korean Conflict James served in the US Army.
Mr. Woodworth was a teacher of English at Brockton High School from 1964 until his retirement in 1992. He was also a nationally recognized bird carver who held classes in this art for 25 years and had a studio in Chatham, MA, during the summer months. The subject of many regional newspaper and magazine articles, he was dubbed “The Whittling Man” by Charles Kuralt on national radio.
James enjoyed camping at Camp Dennen in Plymouth and summering in Chatham. In addition, he treasured time spent outside gardening, bird watching, and beachcombing. A voracious reader, Mr. Woodworth also enjoyed baking and gourmet cooking.
He is survived by his daughter Jennifer L. Killgoar and her husband Thomas Killgoar of Brockton, son Jonathan F. Woodworth of Key West, FL, daughter Jessica T. Curtis and her husband Brian Curtis of Brockton, his sister Louise Quagge of Brockton, sister-in-law Judith Fiske of Bridgewater, 4 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. James was also the devoted companion of Jane (Gustafson) Wood of Bridgewater.
The funeral will be from the Conley Funeral 138 Belmont Street (Rte 123) Brockton Wednesday at 8 am. A Funeral Mass will follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Church at 9 a.m. Burial will be at Pleasant Street Cemetery in Raynham, MA. Visiting hours Tuesday 4-8 pm.