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 Robert
J. "Bob" and Joan "Jo" Woods: Hometown Heroes!
By Jim Youngquist with
Bill Bates
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[June 04, 2022]
Robert J. Woods
graduated in 1948 from the University of Illinois Law School,
entering into a partnership with his father Charles H. Woods, who
practiced law in Logan County for more than 50 years.
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 Following his father’s death in 1958 Robert
practiced alone until 1961 when Roger W. Thompson became associated
with him. Thompson left the firm in 1972 upon becoming Logan County
State’s Attorney.
Robert J. Woods spent considerable time involved with trial work
with his concentration being in real estate, estate planning, wills
and trusts. He served as president of the Abraham Lincoln Memorial
Hospital Board of Directors and was active in Trinity Episcopal
Church, serving one or more terms on the Rectory. He was a regular
Sunday attendee at services and helped the church with legal issues
which were, fortunately, few.
Woods was active in several community organizations, including the
Elks, and as superintendent of the Lincoln Park District.
Later in 1972 Woods entered into partnership with William C. Bates
Jr., and William B. Bates later joined the firm in 1979. Bob was no
longer doing trial work but rather was doing transactional work in
the office for clients. Woods, and Bates Sr. mentored Bill Bates,
being generous in many ways including his time to help Bates learn
how to become a better lawyer. Both seniors cut back in their work
pretty quickly after Bill Bates Jr. had been there for just a few
years, and the seniors took it easier.
Woods had the reputation of being honest and straight forward,
admirable traits in any attorney. He did not beat around the bush
but simply told it like it was. He was knowledgeable about the law
and dedicated to helping his clients. He was diligent and prompt in
completing his work.
Practicing law is not necessarily what made Bob a Home Town Hero,
but that is not in any way intended to lessen the importance of his
contributions to the community through his law practice.
Joan Woods taught school.
What made both Bob and Joan 'Jo' Woods heroes was their "quiet
philanthropy." They purposely lived frugally, driving around in
rickety cars, and not spending their money on themselves.
When Bob died in 1998, Jo was still driving a 1972 Camaro with crank
windows and no AC. It took months of cajoling to get her to buy a
new car and even then, she bought a used Avalon. She was also known
to frequent thrift stores for her own clothing.
Bob and Jo both gave away literally millions of
dollars to worthy local causes, most always anonymously. Very few
people knew they did those things, which is the way they wanted it.
But, they kept it up and accomplished wonderful things for this
community. Their philanthropy showed their true character and their
true colors.
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The Woods Foundation was not really a goal of the Woods.' Mike
Abbott and Bill Bates approached Bob & Jo about establishing a
Foundation in 1996 based on the fact that they had no children and
had always been “quiet philanthropists.” They all talked at length
about all they could do with a foundation. The Woods' both really
liked the idea of continuing to do good for the community, and
beyond, after they were long gone. It moved quickly after that and
The Woods Foundation came into existence in 1998 before Bob passed
away.
After they set up the foundation, Mike, Abbott, Dave Golwitzer and
Bill Bates had board meeting at Mrs. Woods’ house over lunch, which
was a real treat. She was a pistol and certainly always said what
she thought.
Robert J. Woods passed away in 1998. Together with his wife Jo, they
spent a lifetime and beyond quietly giving money to good and worthy
causes, and begetting the Woods Foundation, a philanthropic
organization, which quietly continues to invest thousands of dollars
yearly in charitable community projects.
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