James Frederick Wood, born April 29, 1954 of Hyannis, MA passed away on April 29, 2026 at the age of 72. He was the husband of Mark H. Waldruff, Hyannis, MA.  They were together for 23 yrs. Jim left this world on his birthday, a spiritual journey completed.

  He was the son of Maurice and Betsy Wood of West Yarmouth, MA. Surviving siblings, David Wood of West Yarmouth; Maurice Joseph Wood and Wife Rita, Yarmouthport; Priscilla Leclerc, West Barnstable and Deborah Davidson of Bourne, (deceased).

Mark called Jim a quiet genius.  His mind was always analyzing, and he remained curious about anything mechanical.  He was always reading and learning about photography, engines, and nature.  His soul was grounded to the sea.  One of Jim’s favorite times was sailing on the Mayflower II as a crew member.

Jim cherished his time living on Alden Road and teaching Pat Ewing’s grandsons, Grant and Duncan Guy about fishing, kayaking, boating and camping.  He loved bringing people to the water and nature.  His best Friend of 55 yrs, Michael Dillon, shared many road and ocean adventures together.  Mark and Jim shared a passion for travel; bicycling in Prince Edward Island, exploring Canada’s National Parks, kayaking off the coast of the Carolinas, and camping anywhere in New England.   He enjoyed taking off on anything with 2 wheels, including a 2-week trip up to the Gaspé Peninsula in Canada on his Vespa. 

Jim had a kind nature, always offering to help others.  Even a lengthy stay in the hospital during his final days did not change his temperament.  The care team always commented on what a kind and polite man he was.

  He retired from SencorpWhite after 30yrs. as a network administrator. He had earlier careers as a Manager for Crosby Yacht Yard in Osterville, Flight Attendant with Air New England and a kayaking instructor traveling up and down the east coast. 

You can honor Jim by getting outside in nature. Bicycling, walking in the woods, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, taking pictures, swimming, camping.  Step outside late at night and look up at the stars and embrace the miracle of our universe.  Jim is now one of those stars.

  If you would like to donate in Jim’s memory, please donate to Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, www.cholangiocarcinoma.org. Mark would like to thank the entire team of doctors and nurses at Boston Beth Israel Deaconess for the care and attention Jim received.

I’d like to take a moment to thank “Grampy Jim” for the love and attention he gave to my sons Grant and Duncan. He was a tremendous influence in their lives. Yes, he taught them about tools, boating, fishing, camping and all the great outdoors things, but more importantly he taught them about being equally strong, kind, gentle and loving all at the same time. I will forever be grateful for the man Jim was and the positive impact he had on me and my sons. Thank you Jim!

Mark, Sorry to hear about the loss of your husband he sounded like a wonderful gentle kind soul. Diane Wolfe Public Safety

Grampy Jim, thank you for all the love you gave to all of us. You were better to me than my own father. Always supportive, fixing things around the house, and loving me and my children unconditionally. You taught them to fish, sail, kayak, camp, fix things, and so much more. Your patience and love were and will always be appreciated. You left the world a better place, and you will never be forgotten. I’m glad you and Mark had the love you had. We love you, Hilary, Grant, and Duncan.

He was more than a colleague; he was a truly great friend, and I will miss him deeply. Jim always described himself as a “nomad,” and his Vespa adventures—riding all the way into Canada multiple times—were incredible. I’ll especially miss our conversations and lunches. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome and at ease.

I was lucky to meet Jim and Mark at Medawisla Lodge in Maine in September of 2018. I'm so happy that they chose to sit with myself,Charlotte and Krista at dinner. We all made an immediate connection. I enjoyed hearing about his Vespas and all of his great outdoor adventures. He will be missed. I am sorry for your loss.

He was kind, he was a genius, he was all those things and more. He had a tremendous influence on my life, and will be missed very much.