OCEANSIDE — The city of Oceanside is mourning the loss of former Mayor James “Jim” Wood, who served the city for more than four decades and died Saturday at age 78.
“Jim Wood was a dedicated public servant in every sense of the word,” Mayor Esther Sanchez said. “He left a lasting legacy of prioritizing public safety, fighting crime and protecting our seniors. Jim had a great way of making everyone feel like an old friend. His quick wit and humor broke down barriers, and people were drawn to him from the moment they met. He was a wonderful person, phenomenal mayor and a great friend. We are grateful for every year he dedicated this city. He will be deeply missed.”
Wood’s family moved to Oceanside in 1955. He joined the Oceanside Police Department in 1971, serving more than 31 years as an investigator in some of the department’s “most demanding assignments,” including homicide, narcotics, and crimes against children and seniors, according to a city statement.
The city said Wood also collaborated with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
Wood was elected to the Oceanside City Council in 2002 and became mayor in 2004, a position he held for more than 13 years. In 2017, Wood suffered a stroke and later resigned from the mayor’s office after attempting to return.
“It has been such an honor to serve the city that I have lived in for over 65 years, as a police officer, a council member and mayor,” Wood wrote at the time of his resignation. “I will truly miss the daily interaction with both staff and the community.”
According to the city, Oceanside’s crime rates fell to their lowest levels in 30 years during Wood’s tenure, and the city earned recognition as one of the safest and most livable beach communities in San Diego County.
In 2022, the city renamed Rancho Del Oro Park as Jim Wood Community Park during a ceremony attended by Wood, his wife of 48 years, Pam, and other family members.
