James 'Jim' Van Woodard

James (‘Jim’) Van Woodard was born in Oakland, CA in 1951. In 1952, he was adopted by his parents, Jim and Lillian. Three years later, his parents adopted his sister, Judy. When Jim was a child, the family moved to become homesteaders in Anchorage, AK, where his father opened a car dealership, taxi company, and the Long Branch Saloon. As a teen, Jim worked long hours at a grocery store, so he could pay for his beloved car, a GTX.

In 1969, after graduating West High, he drove to Arizona to attend Arizona State University. During his freshman year, he found out his girlfriend, Paty, was pregnant with his son, Eric. Jim quit college, returned home to become a father, and began doing odd jobs. As a proud Teamster, he worked as a forklift driver and hod carrier, among other things. He also drove a taxi and even fought forest fires. In 1971, on his birthday, he was married to his son’s mother, Paty. He went back to school, attending University of Alaska Anchorage to earn a political science degree.

After graduation, Jim traveled above the Arctic Circle to make his fortune on the Great Alaska Pipeline. He was making great money, but he knew it wasn't a career. He needed a profession, and he chose law. Jim moved with his family to Spokane to attend Gonzaga law school in 1977, with the original intention of returning to Alaska after graduation. After the first mild winter, he chose to call Spokane home.

In 1978, when his sister died unexpectedly, Jim and Paty adopted Judy’s 1-year-old daughter, Echo. Three years later, Jim and Paty divorced. In 1989, he married the love of his life, Darlene, and adopted her two children, Jennifer and Jessica. In 2001, he and Darlene became guardians for Kara, a friend of his daughter, Jennifer. For those keeping count, Jim had one son, adopted three daughters, and became a guardian for a fourth daughter. He will be remembered as a wonderful father by all of them.

Jim was an advocate for those who couldn’t help themselves, be they humans or dogs. As a co-founder of Woodard and Hughes Law, Jim was proud that his practice focused on guardianships, protecting disabled veterans, the elderly, vulnerable youth, and anyone who needed a legal champion. He volunteered many hours to Healing the Children, Team Child, and Meals on Wheels. He was most at home walking dogs, either for PetSmart, the Humane Society, SCRAPS, or his own rescue dogs over many years.

In 2018, Jim retired from his law practice. He enjoyed golfing, volunteering, listening to his extensive music collection (especially the blues), and being an active grandfather and great-grandfather. In 2019, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, and four years later, he was diagnosed with cancer. Throughout his health difficulties, Jim was grateful for the warm support of Cancer Care Northwest and the Tiller Care Alzheimer’s Support Group. On August 8, 2026, he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family with the comforting support of Hospice of Spokane.

He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Darlene, his 5 children (Eric, Echo, Jennifer, Kara, and Jessica), 12 grandchildren (Grace, Rose, CJ, Zinnia, Hailey, Carter, Ava, Gavin, Mack, Alexis, James, and Ray), 2 great-grandchildren (Aspen and Henry), and his rescue dogs (Charley and Sadie).

His funeral will take place at Covenant United Methodist Church on Sunday, September 13 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to any of the organizations that were dear to Jim mentioned above.