J. Guy Woodward was born in Michigan in 1914. He earned his Bachelors of Science degree from North Central College in Illinois. Woodward then received his Masters degree in physics from Michigan State University and his PhD in physics from Ohio State University. Woodward began working for RCA in 1942 following his graduation from Ohio State University. While at RCA, Woodward spent much of his time researching electronic devices, recording systems, and magnetic tapes. In 1953 he and his team gave a public demonstration of videotape recording of color and black-and-white television signals. Woodward received three RCA Laboratory Achievement awards, was issued seven patents, and was named a Fellow of the Technical Staff in 1972. He retired from RCA in 1982 and died in 2000.