Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1956 Lucky Bag:

JAMES ALFRED FRANKLIN WOOD

Fort Worth, Texas, is a long way from Annapolis, and Jim will probably tell you that all the land in between is Texas. In the true Texan tradition, Jim often took delight in telling those king-size yarns. During his four years stay at the Academy, he was an avid reader of “Peanuts,” and devoted his time to dreaming of beautiful women and his drag for the coming weekend. Being a charter member of the “Poohes” and the SIR squad did nothing to detract from his smile or friendliness. He always seemed to be able to come through with whatever was needed, when things got tight.

Loss

James was lost on January 14, 1958 when the aircraft he was aboard crashed near Swansea, Arizona. He was a member of the 3608th Combat Crew Training Squadron, Luke Air Force Base. (Information from March 1958 issue of Shipmate.)

Other Information

From USNA ‘56:

Jim was fatally injured in an aircraft accident in 1958 in the course of his combat crew flight training. He had successfully completed primary and basic flight training commencing shortly after his graduation from the Naval Academy, having earned his silver wings as an Air Force Pilot just a few months prior to the fatal accident.

Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, he was known for his outgoing personality and ready smile, as well as his athletic ability on the football field as part of Coach Erdelatz’s great teams of the 1950’s. Jim was not married.

From researcher Kathy Franz:

James graduated from Arlington Heights High School in 1952.

Congressman W. H. Lucas appointed James to the Naval Academy.

James’ brothers were Jerry and Clark, Jr.

He is buried in Texas.

Photographs

From the Lucky Bag

From the Fort Worth Star Telegram on January 15, 1958