Jim Wood, Oceanside's longtime mayor and a former police officer who became one of the city's most recognizable public figures, died at his home last Saturday. He was 78. Family members and city officials have not yet announced funeral arrangements.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that Wood died at his Oceanside home and recounted his decades in the city. He was born Jan. 31, 1948, in Manchester, New Hampshire, moved to Oceanside with his family in 1955 and was married to his wife, Pam, for 48 years, according to the paper's reporting.
Officer turned mayor
Wood retired from the Oceanside Police Department in 2002 after more than 30 years on the force. That same year he won a seat on the City Council, then captured the mayor's job in 2004 and went on to win multiple re-elections. As Voice of San Diego has noted, he used his law enforcement credentials to build a long public career centered on public safety and local development.
City leaders remember Wood
"Jim Wood was a dedicated public servant in every sense of the word," Mayor Esther C. Sanchez wrote in a statement. City officials also pointed out that crime rates dropped during his time in office to roughly their lowest levels in about 30 years. After Wood stepped away, the council selected Peter Weiss to serve out the rest of his term, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.
Park named for the mayor
In October 2021, the city voted to rename Rancho Del Oro Park as Jim Wood Park at Rancho Del Oro. Coverage at the time by The Coast News noted the decision to attach Wood's name to the popular neighborhood spot. The city's parks directory describes the 16-acre park at 4701 Mesa Drive as featuring three soccer fields and five tennis courts.
Health struggles and resignation
Wood had a history of strokes that affected his mobility and speech, leading to extended medical leaves from office and ultimately to his resignation, effective Jan. 1, 2018. KPBS chronicled his health issues and the City Council's efforts to navigate the transition.
Across Oceanside's government and neighborhoods, Wood is being remembered for his years in uniform and his long tenure at the council dais. City officials say they will release details about memorial plans once they are finalized.
