Celebrating the Life of John William Rood

4/13/1937 – 6/30/2026

John Rood—a man whose life was defined by an unquenchable thirst for adventure, a diligent work ethic and a deep love for God, his family, friends and clients—passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026, at the age of 89. He was surrounded by love and his children, their spouses and his grandchildren. John left this world just as he lived in it: on his own terms, with no regrets, and having squeezed every drop from life. He never met a stranger he couldn't charm with his wit and legendary storytelling.

Born in Chicago, Illinois to William & Katherine Rood, John was never one to sit still. From a young age, he possessed a boundless curiosity about the world and a rare courage to pursue the unknown. He loved growing up in beautiful Evanston, Illinois, with his brother, Bill—cherishing their time near the big city and Lake Michigan, and staying active in St Matthew's Episcopal Church and the wonderful local schools.

His great adventures truly began after graduating from Evanston Township High School in 1955, when he left for the Big Sky Country of Montana. He entered his studies at the University of Montana in Missoula, where it didn't take him long to forge lifelong friendships and immerse himself in the brotherhood of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. John tackled a multitude of jobs and hobbies in Montana: he smokejumped for the U.S. Forest Service, rode for the U of M rodeo team, drove moving trucks throughout the Northwest states and fell in love with Flathead Lake. Interestingly enough, he spent a summer working in the oilfields down in Midland, Texas, and also worked extensively at the Yeckel Family ranch, in Ennis, Montana.

John believed that the best stories were found off the beaten path and he definitely beat his own path in Montana. Following several exploits that may or may not have involved bar brawls, a run-in with the police and a telephone pole, a Montana judge gave him an ultimatum that changed the course of his life. He took the oath in Butte, Montana and entered the United States Marine Corps in October 1961. He earned numerous badges & accolades throughout his enlistment and was honorably discharge as a Sergeant E-5 in 1969. John would always proudly remind everyone that "once a Marine, always a Marine" and his life is sure evidence of that. Semper Fi!

While in the Marine Reserves, John began settling back down back in the Chicago area and took the initiative to finish his studies at Northwestern University, following in the footsteps of many family members. During this time, another brotherhood called to him: the Chicago Lions Rugby Club. As the club's history notes: the Lions initiated a major player recruitment in the spring of 1965 and established a tradition of welcoming "interesting characters." John Bellino, David Blears, Mike Flahive, John Rood, and Bill "Thunder" Thornton formed the core of what was to become the Chicago Lions. John played many positions but, of course, he preferred the ones with the most violent contact. His rugby career took him around the world from England to Australia leaving behind injuries, stories and "third halves" so epic they are unbelievable.

After earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from Northwestern in 1970 and passing his first CPA exam in 1972, he began his formal accounting career. He worked various roles at the Oscar Mayer manufacturing plant in Madison, Wisconsin, where he met Denise, the future mother of his children, in 1972; they married in March 1973. Following transfers to Iowa and then to Houston, they settled down in Kingwood, Texas in 1975. In Houston, he worked as head accountant for Oscar Mayer Dickson Weatherproof Nail Company,  & Davis-Walker Steel Corporation.

Realizing he didn't like taking orders from others anymore, John decided to open his own accounting firm in Kingwood in 1982 and be his own boss. During this period of his life, he was a proud father, very active in his church, and a board member of several businessmen's associations. He loved gaining clients, all of whom became fast friends. He also purchased farmland in Goodrich, TX where he showed his sons how to raise cattle, tend the land and practice true grit. John W Rood CPA/CFP grew into a very successful financial firm in Kingwood. He had the best office staff, including his business partner, Jami, to whom the family is profoundly grateful for her nearly 40 years of hard work, loyalty and dedicated care alongside John.

John reveled in teaching his children life lessons: how to face a storm bravely, how to put your head down and get stuff done and, above all, how to live authentically and true to oneself. His lessons weren't taught in classrooms but outside in nature—on long road trips, in the mountains, canoeing the river, in his office and in the quiet moments of everyday resilience. He will be deeply missed by so many but his stories and strength will live on.

He is survived by Denise Skuldt, the mother of his children; his children, Scott Rood (Amanda), Heath Rood (Brandy) & Sarah Czubik (Daniel); granddaughters, Vera and Emily; his sister-in-law, Virginia Rood; and his nephews, Billy, Michael (Kataryna) & Kenneth (Cristy); and his great-nieces, Olivia and Lucia. He also leaves behind a tight-knit circle of dear, lifelong friends who will forever miss his husky laugh, inappropriate jokes, and his untamable spirit.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William & Katherine Rood and his brother, William Rood Jr.

The family would like to express our profound appreciation to the caregivers and nurses at The Bradford Grove Cottage & Bayou City Hospice. Your endless patience, kindness, love and support brought immense comfort to John and our entire family during this difficult season.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, 9/25/2026 at 1pm at the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church 2929 Woodland Hills Drive, Kingwood, TX 77339

Family and friends are invited to gather, raise a glass, and share their favorite stories of a man who truly lived every single day to its fullest.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to the Alzheimer's Association in John's name.

https://www.alz.org/?form=FUNSTKLFHDM