October 14, 1945 – July 10, 2022
James R. Woodland, age 76, of Arrow Rock, died peacefully in the home of a friend on July 10, 2022. James was born in Lansing, Mich., Oct. 14, 1945. He graduated from Mason High School in Mason, Mich., in 1963; received a Bachelor’s of Music from Taylor University; and a Masters of Fine Arts from Michigan State University.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Richard and Christine; his sister, Carol Shaulis; and his brother, David. He is survived by his brother, Robert and his wife Kristine; nephews, Thomas Shaulis and Anthony Shaulis; nieces, Wendy (Woodland) Combs and Nicole (Woodland) Wilberding; many cousins; and former students, colleagues and friends. James spent much of his career working around the country as a theatre professor, inspiring students who still benefit from his thoughtful and direct mentoring. He worked at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, the University of Miami and retired from his academic career in 2008 as the head of the BFA Acting Program at Missouri State University. A sought-after music director as well, he worked at North Shore Music Theatre, Flat Rock Playhouse, Florida Shakespeare Theatre, Coconut Grove Playhouse, Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, Stages St. Louis, and he served as the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre’s music director from 2003 through 2018 where he music directed more than 50 productions. Beginning in 2009, James became a resident of his beloved Arrow Rock and never lived more than 10 miles away from the place that became so important to him. James also served as the Minister of Music for the Arrow Rock Federated Church beginning in 2014 and was the Music Director for the Marshall Community Chorus from 2014 through 2017.
Known for his wit and his sometimes wicked sense of humor, James was an avid reader, news-junkie, film/TV connoisseur, and always the most scintillating lunch date — but James loved nothing in this world as much as he loved his three dogs Eliza, Sadie and Bark who provided endless comfort and amusement through the last 12 years of his life.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre or the Arrow Rock Federated Church.
