Philosophy Professor W. Jay Wood Passes Away at 71

W. Jay Wood, a respected philosophy professor at Wheaton College, passed away on August 9, 2023, at the age of 71. Wood died at his home in West Chicago, Illinois, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease, as confirmed by his son, Adam Wood. He had faced health challenges following a fall and hip fracture earlier that July.

Born in 1954 in Bethesda, Maryland, William Jerome Wood spent his formative years moving across the United States. He graduated from Torrance High School in California and subsequently earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Westmont College in 1976. Wood pursued further studies at the University of Notre Dame, earning both a master’s degree in 1980 and a doctorate in 1986.

Legacy of a Dedicated Educator

In 1982, Wood began his nearly four-decade tenure at Wheaton College, where he became known for his engaging teaching style and his commitment to nurturing students’ intellectual curiosity. He held various roles, including department chair and vice chair of the faculty. Richard Hughes Gibson, a colleague and English professor at Wheaton, described Wood as a “connoisseur of the virtues,” who emphasized moral qualities like meekness and patience in his scholarship.

“Jay was passionate about teaching,” said Adam Wood, who followed in his father’s footsteps as a professor of philosophy at Wheaton. “He was dedicated to developing students who were not afraid to ask questions.” His courses covered a wide range of topics, including epistemology, the philosophy of religion, and the exploration of virtues versus vices.

Sarah Borden, another philosophy professor at Wheaton, highlighted Wood’s unique approach to illustrating complex ideas with relatable stories. “For almost any philosophical or theological concept, Jay could share an example that illuminated what it meant to live those commitments,” she explained.

Philosophical Contributions and Personal Passions

Wood’s academic interests extended to the study of epistemology, which examines the nature of knowledge and understanding. He focused on the significance of virtues in intellectual pursuits, quoting the 12th-century theologian Hugh of Saint Victor, who taught that humility is “the beginning of discipline.” This belief guided Wood’s approach to both his scholarship and personal life, as he sought to embody the virtues he taught.

Robert C. Roberts, a former Wheaton professor, characterized Wood as a “popular and lovable teacher” deeply engaged with life’s most pressing questions. Wood wrote and co-authored several influential works, including the textbook “Epistemology: Becoming Intellectually Virtuous,” first published in 1998. His 2011 book, “God,” explored moral arguments for the existence of God and the rationality of theism.

Despite facing cognitive decline, Wood remained committed to his teaching role until his retirement from Wheaton College in 2021. Outside of academia, he was passionate about music, reading, and outdoor activities, enjoying time spent running, traveling, and hiking.

In addition to his son Adam, Wood is survived by his wife of 49 years, Janice; another son, Samuel; daughters Diana Soerens and Gillian Conrad; ten grandchildren; and two brothers, Michael and Chris. A memorial service honoring his life and contributions was held at the Church of the Resurrection in Wheaton.

W. Jay Wood leaves behind a legacy as a scholar dedicated to the virtues and a mentor who profoundly impacted the lives of his students and colleagues alike.