John A. Woods

There were three things most important to John A. Woods, Family, Family, and Family. He took part of his family with him when he died unexpectedly on Friday, October 9, 2015. He was 58.

John was born in Waltham on February 12, 1957, a son of the late George L. Woods and Helen (Burns) Woods of Billerica who survives him. The proud son of a Master Sergant, he spent portions of his childhood in Africa, Germany and Japan. John graduated from Billerica High School in 1975.

After high school, John bartended at Mr. C's Rock Palace, where he met the love of his life Jill M. (Desmarais) Woods. Years of concerts, cookouts, and family fun have been at the center of their long life together, and October 21 will mark their 37th Wedding Anniversary.

John worked at the B & M Railroad before joining the family business and becoming a real estate broker at Woods Real Estate. However, John's most important job was caretaker of the family, a role he proudly excelled at. John's favorite place was his home, surrounded by family - manning the grill, with rock-n-roll playing, horseshoes flying through the air, and children splashing in the pool. The day was never complete without the guitar around the campfire and then a late night game of cribbage with his boys and close friends. John and Jill were true soulmates, concert buddies, and best friends. They lived to entertain their family and friends, and more recently, spend time with their three precious grandchildren. Among other favorite past times, John loved golfing with son Josh, and watching the Pats with his family on Sundays.

Surviving him besides his mother and wife are two sons and a daughter in law, J. Justin and Jillian Woods of White Plains, NY, Joshua Woods and Caitlin Plante of Billerica; three grandchildren, Josslyn, Jay, and Jackson; a brother and sister in law, George and Carol Woods of Billerica; three sisters and brothers in law, Marion and Charles Barnes, Colorado Springs, CO, Patricia and Louis Zediana, Ruth and Robert Harris all of Billerica; his father in law and side kick Albert J. Desmarais; sisters in law and brothers in law, Ginger Desmond of Litchfield, NH, Gina Spicer, Jeff and Jean Desmarais all of Lowell, Jason and Annette Desmarais of Pleasant Valley, NY; and favorite uncle to dozens of nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Kenneth Woods, with whom he shared the same birthday.