James S. Woodburne, M.D., 84, of Traverse City died late Friday January 17, 2025 peacefully in his home with his family by his side.
He was born on March 24, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Harris L. Woodburne, M.D. and Grace (neé Clark) Woodburne. He had two sisters. Judy was his older sister, who is deceased. His younger sister is Janie. Around 1951, Dr. Woodburne moved his family to Essexville, Michigan, a small town near Bay City, MI.
He graduated from Bay City Central High School in 1958. He was a chemistry major at Albion College and graduated in 1962. In the summer of 1962, he married the love of his life Susan A. Bradner in the Presbyterian Church in Bay City, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1966, and then he and Sue started a family with their two sons, Tim and Jim. He completed his General Surgery Residency in 1971 at the University Hospital in Ann Arbor.
In 1971 he was drafted by the U.S. Army to serve two years where he reached the rank of Major. He was sent to Vietnam as a general surgeon. In 1972 the U.S. Army requested that he return from Vietnam and stationed him in Colorado Springs, Colorado where the family lived for approximately one year. During the winter months of 1972 the family weekend activities included downhill skiing in the mountains of Colorado.
After the U.S. Army, his family moved to Traverse City, Michigan in 1973 to begin his professional career as a general surgeon at Thirlby Clinic, retiring in 2001. He was a fellow in the American College of Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Surgery, a member of the American Medical Association, and the Grand Traverse Medical Society. He was an active member of the Frederick A. Coller Surgical Society.
Affectionately known as "Woody", he was athletically talented and able to excel at various sports of interest. He was an avid runner with the local Traverse City Track Club. Woody competed in two Boston Marathons and several triathlons. He learned to downhill ski and enjoyed ski vacations with family and friends. He had great talent for cross-country skiing and was a board member of the North American VASA organization. Woody competed in several local and regional Nordic ski races such as the North American VASA, the White Pine Stampede, and the 50 Km Birkebeiner in Wisconsin. Woody shared his love of sports by volunteering as a guide with Ski for Light, a non-profit organization for people with visual impairments to experience cross-country skiing. As a founding member of the local "Dawn Patrol", a cycling group who met in the early hours, Woody greatly enjoyed the camaraderie and lasting friendships. Woody also enjoyed hiking, canoeing and kayaking to experience the wilderness and learn about plants and animals.
He was an elder for the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City. He also volunteered with his wife Sue delivering meals on behalf of their church. He also volunteered many hours for the benefit of Peninsula Township for the founding of Pellizzari Park, and assisted with park improvements by building fences, trail construction, and planting trees.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sue; their sons Tim (Kate) and Jim (Kirstin); grandchildren Allie (Jordan) Veillette, Nick, Katie, Ian and Sophie, and his sister Janet (Ralph Worley) Penz.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Judy Pearce, and granddaughter Gillian Elise Woodburne.

A memorial service will be held at the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City on Saturday June 14, 2025 with visitation at 10:30 AM and service at 11:00 AM with luncheon to follow. In accordance with Jim's wishes he was laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the North American VASA, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, or to the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City.