Jim Lile Woodard

Jim Lile Woodard, 76, passed away peacefully at his home in Magna, Utah on July 28, 2022. Jim was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, oldest of five children born to Lile and Mercadee Woodard. After being raised and educated in Bountiful, Utah, he served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War.

On April 23, 1977, Jim married Diane Edwards, and they had three daughters: Kimberly, Kristin, and Kara. Jim worked for oil drilling companies in Baker, Montana for five years before eventually settling in Powers Lake, North Dakota. There he spent what he described as the best years of his life as a farmer and rancher. Jim moved back to Utah in 1997, where he worked for SkyWest airlines for 24 years until his retirement. 

Jim was happiest outdoors, hunting, fishing, and camping. During retirement, he enjoyed working on his high horsepower 1985 Chevy Camaro. Jim didn’t let a lot of people in, but those who were able to break through the rough exterior wondered how they got so lucky to be part of his life. He was a proud father who left no doubt how much he loved his daughters. His smirk, laugh, and hugs will be missed by all who love him.

Jim is survived by his children, Kimberly [Andy] Lach, Kristin Woodard, and Kara [Joel] Breitling; former spouse and lifelong friend Diane Woodard; 6 grandchildren, Hudson, Delaney, Sylvie, Liam, Sophia, and Abram; and siblings, Lynn Woodard, Dale Woodard, Van Woodard, and Barbara Ludwig.

Private services will be held.