SOMEONE SPECIAL YOU SHOULD KNOW!
Mr. James R. Wood
Mr. Wood was employed by the Somonauk School District in August 1959 and retired from teaching June of 1997
He has been dedicated to our school for over 40 years and enjoyed everything he did here at the school!
He's still enjoying it, we just can't keep him away!

1959-1970 High School Teacher and Coach
1970-1997 Grade School Principal
1997-2004 Transportation Director
2005-He is Presently a Substitute Bus Driver
          Mr. Wood was born in Augusta, Illinois on September 8, 1933.  As a student, Mr. Wood loved school. He never missed a day of school from 6th grade through high school! He liked every subject he took in High School, he had no favorites, just enjoyed it all. He received his Bachelor's Degree in 1959 from Western Illinois University and continued with his education receiving his Master's Degree in 1967 from Northern Illinois University. Mr. Wood  married his wife Helen on December 10, 1954. They recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. James and Helen had three children together. Their  daughter Patsy lives in Orlando, Florida with her husband Jim and they have two daughters, Rachel and Stephanie. Their son Tim lives in Grand Ridge, Illinois with his wife Dawn and their children, Abbey, Casey and Carley. Their son Barney passed away in 1980.
     After moving to Somonauk, Mr. Wood also kept himself  busy raising sheep, pigs and cattle to butcher. He also loves raising horses. He has always had an interest in horses and is currently part owner with Jerry and Paul Dudzik of a Standard-bred pacer. She will race at fairs this summer. Her name is Broadway Robin, watch out for her! In his leisure time, you might find Mr. Wood enjoying a John Wayne movie, or watching his favorite sport, baseball! Sorry all you Cubs fans out there, Mr. Wood is a big St. Louis Cardinals fan!!!
     You now know why we decided to name our school after him.  James R. Wood is a very special person to us all. What a great job you did! Thank you Mr. Wood for your many years of service, for being a teacher, a coach, a principal, a bus driver and a friend! We love you! See you around.