James Emanuel Woodward, Jr.

James Emanuel Woodward, Jr was born on June 23, 1938 in Columbia, South Carolina, eldest son of James E. Woodward, Sr and Mary Hoefer Woodward.  He departed this earthly life on July 29, 2025 at his home with his devoted wife of sixty-three years, Joanna, at his side.

James was raised in Columbia, South Carolina and was educated in the Columbia public schools.  A standout football and track athlete, James attended Booker T. Washington High School and graduated from C.A. Johnson High School in 1955.  Upon graduation from high school, James enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Airborne Division based in Augsburg, Germany, earning multiple commendations for meritorious service.

James returned to South Carolina after completing his military service and attended South Carolina State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1962.  James participated in football and track and was inducted into the Xi Psi Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.  He returned to South Carolina State University several years later, earning a Master’s in Education degree in 1969.

James began his professional career at Westside High School in Anderson, South Carolina, teaching Drafting and Industrial Arts.  While at Westside, he was an Assistant Football Coach and Head Track Coach.  He would return to Columbia in 1966, joining the staff of Eau Claire High School as the first African-American teacher (1966), Assistant Football Coach (1968), and Head Football Coach (1977).  James completed his professional career in 1990 at Columbia High School where he taught Industrial Arts, coached Track and Football.

James’s spiritual experience began at an early age at Saint Paul Baptist Church, Columbia, South Carolina.  He remained active in the church throughout his adult life, attending Saint Paul Baptist Church, Saint John Baptist Church, and Bethlehem Baptist Church College Place, all of Columbia, South Carolina.  While at Bethlehem, James served as a Deacon and was recognized as Deacon Emeritus in 2018.

James is preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Sonja Michelle Woodward of Charlotte, North Carolina.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving and devoted wife, Joanna Woodward of Columbia, South Carolina; a son, James E. Woodward, III (Janet) of Waxhaw, North Carolina; and a daughter, Keisha Woodward-Anderson of Camden, South Carolina; seven grandchildren, Kourtney Woodward, Billie Lee Bright, III (Audrey), Haley Rawitz (Drew), Dylan Woodward (Grace), Jamyla Anderson, Justice Anderson and Jayden Woodward; and two great grandchildren,  Alaya and Ava.

Known to many including family, colleagues, former students, and athletes as “Coach Woodward”, James leaves his most enduring legacy in the growth and development of those closest to him. He will also be missed by many other relatives and friends.

Special thanks to Danny Woodward, Wendolyn  Wilson, Jonathan Brown, Keith Greene, Diane McKune, Deacon and Deaconess Franklin Black, and LaVon Ross for their tireless support and care for the family.

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