James Richard Wooden, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026, just shy of his 82nd birthday. Born on July 30, 1944, in Idaho Springs, Colorado; James was one of four cherished sons of Gerald Lyle Wooden and Ruby Illa Key.
James was a proud graduate of Idaho Springs High School, class of 1963, where he took part in annuals, projectionist club, and wrestling. Following graduation, he bravely served his country in the United States Air Force, where he was deployed in 1969 to Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base near Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, which led him to meet the love of his life, Luangyong “Pon” Srisangiem. The two married on November 24, 1971, forming a loving partnership that lasted until her passing in 2015.
In their early years as a couple, James and Pon enjoyed many adventures and travels across Thailand and eventually moving their family across the world to Colorado in the early ’80s. Where James proudly worked at the Ames Hydroelectric Generation Plant, which was one of the first plants to produce and transmit alternating current, he was pleased to revisit it with his grandchildren before his passing. Eventually, they settled in Rock Springs, in 1985. James dedicated 20 years of his life to the Jim Bridger Power Plant as a plant operator, retiring in 2005. An active member of his community, he was involved with the Craig, Colorado, American Legion Post 62 and Craig Veterans of Foreign Wars, and later joined the American Legion Archie Hay Post 24, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his fellow veterans.
Known for his sharp mind, relentless curiosity, and love of talking, James had a passion for crossword puzzles, Sudoku, hunting, fishing, camping, and simply enjoying the great outdoors. He cherished every moment he could spend with his friends and family, and they were planning a memorable trip to Yellowstone just before his passing. However, he was able to visit the Grand Canyon, Bridger National Forest, Glacier National Forest, and many other destinations prior to his passing.
James is survived by his devoted sons, Troy Wooden and Donna of Rock Springs; Hank and Misty Wooden of Peoria, Arizona; three brothers, David and Oneta Wooden of Maybell, Colorado; Jack and Warapon Wooden of Denton, Texas; Ivan and Wendy Wooden of Craig, Colorado; nine grandchildren, Elizabeth Wooden; Tristian Wooden; Troy “Jr.” Wooden; Mia Wooden; Dune Santhanawit; Tommy and Amanda Santhanawit; Mckayla Mondragon; Domingo Santhanawit; PJ Schantle; three great-grandchildren, Maeli Passel; Makya McQuade; Maxalaya Santhanawit; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Preceding James in death were his grandparents, Humphrey and Jessie Wooden; Ray and Ruth Key; his father, Gerald L. Wooden; his mother, Ruby I. Key; his cousin, Stan Key; his beloved wife, Pon Wooden; his sons, Suwit Santhanawit and adopted son Gowit Santhanawit; his nephew, David Wooden and niece, Jessie Cramer.
James’s memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched. His exceptional spirit, warm smile, and dedication to his family and community will never be forgotten.
In keeping with his wishes, James will be cremated, and reunited with his wife Pon’s ashes. Where they will be spread together into the Bay of Bangkok.
A private memorial service was held in Maybell Colorado on July 30th; a service in Rock Springs will be scheduled for a later date.
Friends and family are encouraged to leave condolences at www.vasefuneralhomes.com.
In honor of James’s life, contributions to the Young at Heart Senior Center in Rock Springs are welcomed.
James Richard Wooden will be dearly missed but fondly remembered for a life full of love, service, and adventure. May he rest in peace knowing his legacy of love continues through his family.
