James Dean Woodward, age 52, of Malta, Ohio passed away at 3:58 p.m. on Thursday, December 26, 2013 at the Good Samaritan Medical Center in Zanesville. He was born September 19, 1961 in Zanesville, the son of the late James B. Woodward and Donna Woodward of McConnelsville. Jim was a graduate of Morgan High School , class of 1980. He was employed by Malta Manufacturing, The Opera House and was a Dispatcher for the M-M Fire Department. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, M-M Fire Department, Fraternal Order of Eagles in McConnelsville and Valley Lodge F&AM #145 and an Aux. Member of the Malta VFW. He is survived by his mother, 1 sister: Liza Heiss and husband Andy of Beverly; 2 nephews: Adam and Jason Heiss of Beverly, 1 niece: Lindsay Heiss of Beverly, Special Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Paternal grandparents, Ralph and Margaret Woodward, and his maternal grandparents, Russel and Marie Duncan. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 30 at Matheney Funeral Home in McConnelsville. Burial will be in the McConnelsville Cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday from 6-8 p.m. at the Funeral Home and also 1 hour prior to the service on Monday. Masonic service will be held at 8:00 p.m. Sunday following visitation. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the M-M Fire Department. To leave a note of condolence for the family go to matheneyfh.com.