James “Jim” Allen Winkle was called home to see Jesus after many hard-fought years of battling cancer on Thursday, October 7th, 2021 with his wife Kim and kids McKinley and Chayton by his side.
James was born to Donald and Peggy Winkle on April 27th, 1963 in Fort Benton, Montana and was raised in Great Falls, Montana.
There are no words that can begin to describe how incredible of a man James was and how much he loves and is loved. He was and is an amazing father, husband, son, uncle, and friend.
James and Kim had the chance to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary as of August 30th this year, which was a milestone he was so happy to reach. Since James has been sick, he set goals of what he wanted to see accomplished, and he was so proud of his family and loved them dearly. He wanted to make it to his 30th anniversary, see Chayton graduate high school and start playing college football, and to see McKinley graduate college and be settled with a good job and happy life, and he fortunately met everyone.
James enjoyed many things in this life, too many to count, and cherished his family and the outdoors. In his younger years, James enjoyed his time around Steamboat Mountain out by Augusta and carried his love of the great outdoors on throughout his life. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and snowboarding which are passions he shared with his kids. A couple of his favorite recent activities were boating on the lake with his family, and then coming home to cook on his pit boss and share recipes with his buddies.
James loved to watch and be a part of McKinley and Chayton’s sporting events or anything else they were involved in. James was the President of the 2021 Capital High Bruin football class, and sat on the board for Westside Football. In Chayton’s younger years, he coached small fry football alongside some of his best friends.
In addition to his love of the outdoors, sports, and spending time with his wife, kids, and family dogs, James also picked up several hobbies over his lifetime. James loved to play guitar, which was something passed onto him from his dad. He used to help lead worship services while his kids were young, playing guitar and singing hymns. You could often find him learning new songs, or playing some of his favorites. James also received his license in massage therapy during the time he and his family lived in Missoula, Montana, and practiced at the School of Massage, and often volunteered at Camp Mak-A-Dream. James was also a boxer in his youth and as an adult, practiced martial arts and it was something he loved to do and wished he could’ve stuck with despite his health. James also loved motorcycles and was thrilled to have one of his own after it being just a dream.
James held a handful of different jobs in his lifetime including cutting trees when he was a teenager, working at Kenworth Trucking Company in Missoula for many years, and his career as a massage therapist, but serving his country wasn’t just a career, but rather a deep calling. James is a retired veteran and serving his country is something he loved, cherished and held close to his heart. He first served in the Navy and spent time overseas in the Philippines, Japan, Australia, and many other countries. When he was with the Army National Guard, he served in Iraq from June 2004 through November 2005, and always wished he could go back for a second deployment.
James is preceded in death by his sisters Jodi Kecskes (June 6th, 2007), and Carrie Soileau (June 7th, 2020).
He is survived by: His wife Kim and kids McKinley and Chayton, his mom and dad Peggy and Don Winkle, sister Vicki Turnbull and her husband Richard, brother Martin Winkle, his in-laws Don and June McConahy, brother in-law Joshua McConahy and his wife Amanda, sister-in-law Hadley Heater and her husband Lucas, and several nieces and nephews.
James’s service will be held Thursday, October 21st, 2021 at 11:00am at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. There will be a reception to follow at the service club to honor and celebrate his incredible life.
We want to thank the nurses at the St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center and Dr. Tom Weiner for all their love and care over the years. We also would like to thank all the St. Peter’s ICU nurses and doctors who cared for James and our family the night of his passing as well as the nurses and doctors on the oncology floor, and nurse Robyn from same day surgery. Thank you to Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home for making this transition comforting and guiding us through this time. Last but definitely not least, thank you to all our family and friends who have loved us during this difficult time. We love and appreciate you all so much.
We ask that memorial donations in James’s name be made to the following organizations that were close to his heart: Camp Mak-A-Dream, Relay for Life, and Wounded Warrior Project.
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Thursday October 21, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Thursday October 21, 2021
Fort Harrison Service Club
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Share
Richard Fletcher says
Jim, thanks for being such a good friend. We had some crazy times together. I always enjoyed the conversations about our families. I will miss you.
Mike Latka says
I will miss your upbeat smile and positive attitude, you were a good man and a great friend. Thank you for the short time I knew you
Sarah Braden says
Jim, my friend, you will be missed by so many. I am blessed to have known you and your family for the past ten years and I am going to miss seeing you at football games, but don’t worry I am loud enough for the both of us. We will watch over your family from here as you watch over them from above. Until we see you again.
Jay Hyrons says
Dear Jim who became a friend across the pond
Proud vateran father husband so many people rolled into one
May you rest in eternal peace after a most valiant battle to reach your gosls
Chad Roussan says
Jim you were an amazing man. I Admire the determination that you gave to life and fulfilling your goals! I will always remember that example. No matter what you were going through when I saw you that Jim smile was on your face. I will miss that. I remember visiting with you and you telling me you just wanted to complete your backyard and make it to McKinleys HS graduation. Well you most certainly beat that and went on to set and achieve many more life goals!! I am bless to have crossed your path and been able to call you a friend. Until we see each other again, Rest in Peace
Connie Ferriter says
Dear Kim, McKinley, Clayton, and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He fought a long battle but is now at peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Rest In Peace Jim. God Bless
Paul and Nikki Campbell says
To the Winkle Family,
Your father was a great man. He was a proud father and spouse; to see his face light up when he talked about Chayton and McKinley was amazing. Jim, you were a great person and will be missed.
Linda R Pfister says
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Kim, and with your amazing kiddos.
Linda Pfister
John Wolverton says
21 Oct. 2021: Dear Winkle Family, I regret that I cannot make it over to Helena to honor the life and times of Sergeant Winkle. During our mutual service on the same squad in Al Hawija we came to know each other in a form that may only be understood by soldiers. His stalwart presence was an important part of that challenging yet exhilarating place and time. I have and will always remember him well.
LARA V FOWLER says
No Tears in Heaven
There are no tears in Heaven;
Nor grief of any kind
I leave this final teardrop
To those I’ve left behind.
Though absent from my body
I’m present with the Lord,
The joy of my Salvation
Is now my full reward.
April 27, 1963 – October 7, 2021 James Winkle
You will be missed! Ron & Lara Fowler
Joel Shanight says
Thank you for your service, Tool Program, you were a great mentor about how the Montana NG works and warrior skills.. a Hero and nice guy. I will miss ya.
Bugni Family says
Kim, McKinley, and Chayton,
Our hearts were saddened hear of Jim’s passing. So sorry Winkles. Many thoughts and prayers continue for you all. Jim’s love for his family was ever apparent. His story doesn’t end here as it carries on through you.
Much aloha,
Katy, Matt, and boys
Henry Winterheld says
To the Winkle family. Very sorry to hear about Jim. He was the first friend I made when we moved to Montana back in 1972. I knew them all and remember Vicky when she was just a baby. Jim was a good friend and we had a lot of fun running around Fort Benton. My best wishes go out to all of the Winkle family.
All the love,
Henry Winterheld