James Ruhl Woehr's Obituary
James Ruhl Woehr suddenly passed away on May 20, 2026, at his home in Culpeper, VA.
He was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on May 20, 1946, the second of three sons, to Robert A. Woehr and Margery Jean Ruhl Woehr.
He attended schools in Erie, Pennsylvania, and then Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating from the University of Cincinnati, College of Engineering, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering.
However, Jim’s true calling was to nature with a deep love of wildlife, the outdoors and North American birds. He enjoyed Fly Fishing and Bird Hunting, and especially loved his bird dogs. In 1977, he earned a Ph.D. in Ecology from the State University of New York at Syracuse, in Environmental Science and Forestry.
Jim’s professional career included time as a College Professor of Wildlife Biology at SUNY, Plattsburgh, in New York State, Director of Non-Game Wildlife for the State of Alabama in Montgomery, Alabama; Senior Scientist for Wildlife Management Institute, Washington, DC; and as Avian Biologist for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Division of Environmental Assessment for the U.S. Department of the Interior. Jim was recognized by his colleagues as a Wildlife Professional who always put the resource first. Jim appeared before Congress as a professional expert, on numerous occasions. His integrity and professionalism were well known across the field.
Jim and his wife Paula both retired in 2016, making their new home in Culpeper, Virginia. This allowed the couple to expand their interest in American History and enjoy the quieter life of rural Virginia, with the close proximity of Jim’s stepson, Michael and his family.
Jim was active in the Brandy Station Foundation serving on its Board of Directors and Volunteering as a Civil War Battlefield Tour Guide. His expertise as a Wildlife Biologist and his wonderful sense of humor always made his tours more than just a history lesson.
Jim’s backyards always contained bird feeders and he enjoyed watching the birds thrive along with the other small animals that came along with them. His world centered around his family, baseball, and his humor which could be experienced every day of his life. He was quick to remind us that our values are what hold us together as a society, and the decisions we make each day will affect the future that each of us lives.
Jim is survived by his wife of 35 years, Paula Belair Woehr, his stepson, Michael B. Valyo and daughter-in-law Katie Valyo, and their son, Ryland Valyo, of Woodbridge; His daughter, Dr. Jennifer Lynn Woehr Goldstrein, daughter of Linda Schlensker Atchinson (Peter) of Port Kent, New York, and Jenny’s two children, Samual Goldstein and Liesl Goldstein of Nyack, New York. Also, his brother-in-law Gil J. Belair of Massena, New York; his sister-in-law Sueanne (Belair) Myers and Scott Myers of Statesville, North Carolina. Jim’s brothers, David Woehr of Ohio and Ronald and Kristi Woehr of Geneva, Florida, and several nieces and nephews. Jim’s special cousin and lifelong friend, Cynthia H. Dyer.
In lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's or the Charity of Choice.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 2-3 p.m. at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 850 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper, VA.
A celebration of life will follow at 3 p.m.
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