James H. Wooden of Westhampton Beach died on September 13, after a brief illness.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Mr. Wooden attended the McDonogh School and went on to Cornell University, graduating in 1964 with a degree in political science. He was a member of the Phi Gam fraternity. Mr. Wooden worked summers for the Baltimore Sun as a book reviewer. He went on to Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, earning a master’s degree in international economics. He was then commissioned as 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany, as an Adjutant General’s Corps for two years.
Upon returning from service, Mr. Wooden had a successful career on Wall Street as a highly esteemed bank stock analyst, appearing on PBS’s Wall Street Week with Louis Ruckhayser as a guest expert. His career spanned many years earning him numerous industry accolades and a position as senior vice president at Merrill Lynch among other firms where he worked.
Mr. Wooden retired to a simple, quality life on Long Island where he enjoyed his passions including reading, sports, classical music and a good bottle of red wine with his wife and best friend, Eileen. A true oenophile, Mr. Wooden was generous with his cellar collection and found true joy in sharing his passion for wine.
An avid sports fan, he had a particular affinity for any team with a Baltimore connection, as well as European soccer and college football.
Family and friends will remember Mr. Wooden as a quiet, quick-witted, thoughtful intellect who enjoyed being at home and travels to Kennebunkport, Maine; Cashiers, North Carolina; and New England.
He was predeceased by his parents, Ruth Haviland and James O. Wooden; a sister, Cheryl A. Wooden; and a son, John H. Wooden. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Eileen Sorensen Wooden; a son Jeffrey and wife Patricia of Alabama; and daughter, Wendy Barze and husband Brian of Alabama; five grandchildren who affectionately referred to him as “Big Jim,” Henry, Jay and Edward Barze and Jane and Eloise Wooden.
Memorial donations be made to the Peconic Bay Medical Center Foundation, pbmchealth.org, or East End Hospice, eeh.org.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
on Sep 19, 2016