James Ellis Wood, 67, passed away on May 4, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer. James was a multi-generational Austinite, born Feb. 11, 1952. He spent his childhood chasing adventure with his five siblings all over town – from Travis Heights to Lake Travis. He attended several Austin elementary schools and middle schools before graduating from Leander High School in 1970. After graduation, he served for four years in the Navy, including service during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Corry. He was very fond of his years in the Navy, and his love of country never wavered.
Wood was an entrepreneur from a very young age. He purchased his first piece of property before graduating from high school. He found his passion for the car business almost 45 years ago and it never left. Cars America was his second home. He loved his employees, customers and friends in the industry. His favorite day of the week was Monday, and he is quoted as saying that he would never retire.
Wood loved life. He often laughed at his own jokes before he could finish telling them. He was confident, yet humble. Helping others brought him happiness. He was the “fixer” of the family. He was a mentor and a role model to so many. Ethics came before success. Anyone will tell you that he would always choose a hard right over an easy wrong.
