James Lionel “Stoney” Wines, 91, passed away peacefully with his two sons, two daughters-in-law, and a grandson by his side on Feb. 8, 2012 of natural causes.
A public viewing will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Feb. 16 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 10 a.m. with a burial to follow at Fort Harrison VA Cemetery and a reception at Fort Harrison’s Servicemen’s Club.
Stoney was born June 5, 1920 to William Jerome Wines and Georgette Bruneau Wines in Blackwell, OK. He attended high school in Wichita, KS and earned an Associate’s degree from Edmonds Community College in Washington State.
He came to Helena to serve in the First Special Service Force at Fort Harrison and met his wife of more than 50 years, Dora Simonini. They resided in Helena, calling The Sixth Ward home. Stoney always had a soft spot in his heart for all the “6th Ward Rats.”
Stoney served in the U.S. Army from 1939 to 1973, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. Stoney was awarded many military medals and ribbons, most significantly, three Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star with Valor. He was a captain with the Helena Police Department from 1946 to 1966 and served as the Montana Board of Real Estate Administrator to the Board of Real Estate from 1975 to 1981.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, cross country skiing with Jake and Nina, and spending time with his wife, Dora, and family at the cabin he and his sons built on Canyon Ferry Lake.
Stoney is survived by daughter Julie Morley of Helena; sons Jerome “Jake” and wife Nina and Sean K. Wines and wife Allie, of Helena; Darin (Maria) Wines, Luke (Stacey) Wines, Kelli (Toby) Robinson, Brooke Wines, Samantha Wines, Sean-Paul Wines, Kevin Morley, and Trent Morley. Stoney is preceded in death by his wife, Dora; brother, Daniel Wines; sister, Nellie Wilkinson and his parents.
Stoney and the Wines Family wish to express gratitude to the St. Peter’s Hospice Organization and volunteers, the Cooney Convalescent Home and its entire staff for outstanding love and care afforded to Stoney during his time of need and thanks to the entire Fort W.H. Harrison medical staff and volunteers for providing wonderful medical care.
Memorials are suggested to Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604 or to the Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Allan Langdon says
So sad to see Stoney has left us. I’ll never forget how every time I saw him he’d shine his great smile in greeting me. He’d usually say something about music and/or drums — “a-one-a, and a-two-a”, something silly like that. I still use the cymbal he “loaned” me many years ago. Every time I crash it, I’m crashin’ it for you Stoney! And I know you’ll hear it, and smile, as you rest in the Lord’s arms. Godspeed Stoney.
amanda Lias says
I am so sorry for your loss Sean!! You are in my thoughts. Love you guys!
Anonymous says
I swear I heard God sigh tonight
As He gently led you home
Into the heart of perfect light
Where an Angel you become
I swear I heard God sigh tongiht
A celestial ship was righted
A distant wait to reunite
Two sould too soon divided
I swear I heard God sigh tonight
As He put her hand in yours
And marveled in His great delight
That you’re apart no more
Witnessing two souls renewed
Dancing through the halls
While every note of “In The Mood”
Dripped from Heaven’s walls
I swear I heard God sigh tonight.
bonnie diSTasio-doster says
my condolinces
brian wohlers says
with best wishes and prayers from the wohlers family to yours. brian
Brooke Wines says
Grandpa Wines, I will truly miss you. Even though I did not have the means to travel and visit you,I thought of you always. You were such a kind hearted soul. All in all you were a wonderful person, father, grandfather, husband, AMERICAN! I am so proud to be the grandaughter of such a decorated veteran, it gives me something to tell my kids to be proud of. I always loved when you visited and the stories you told. I remember one time when I was a child, you and grandma came to visit us in Hawaii and my Dad put a whole bunch of rice in the salt shaker. At dinner, you just kept shaking it and shaking it! I know I ran out of time, but I will always miss you and love you Grandpa The “good part tra la la” has finally come for you because now you will be reunited with your soul mate, grandma
Carol & Doug Zaharko says
Jake & Nina & families – our deepest sympathy to you.
Carol Cummings Brown says
What great memories we all had and will stay . How wonderful your folks and mine gave this to us. We can still have a good laugh with these, precious times.
N
Carolyn K. Pelletier says
To The Wines Family, So very sorry to hear of Stoney’s passing. He was a gentle giant among men. I was fortunate enough to spend time with Stoney and the other FSSF men at the monthly meetings. He was so entertaining at the meetings, a great sense of humor. I know that you have many memories to help you through this difficult time. He will truly be missed by many.
Carrie Foskette says
James was a special part of my work, caring for him on night shift~ I will miss him so much! He was so funny and kept us laughing on many occasions. I will forever miss his stories his witty sense of humor and his laughter! My condolences to you and your family at this difficult time- hug and love one another its what James would want. Sincerely,
Carrie Foskette~Cooney Home
Cathy (Pullin) Kovich says
My thoughts and prayers are with Sean and his family as this very special person journeys on. How blessed are those with memories from his 91 years.
Cork and Terry Gee says
Good by Uncle Stoney – hope you are having quite a reunion with Auntie Dora, Mom and Daddy and Uncle Bill and Gin in you red plaid hunting shirt. I will always remember the fun we had with you and the bacon waffles.
Cris Sandru Stark says
to the family of Stoney , Im sorry to hear of his passing he sure was a great guy My Mom sure thought alot of him(Vi Sandru)…My prayers are with you all….
Eddie Boone says
Julie & Jake I was sadden to read about Stoney. I have remembered him all my life. The time we spent at the lake and Stoney went for hambugers. Make pan cakes, talking sports.
Janet & Doug Herold says
Sean,
Our condolences to you and your family, the loss of a loved one is very difficult. May the love and support of family and friends help you through this period of grief. Although your Father is no longer here he will always be with you.
Take care.
Jay and Alana Listoe says
We are so lucky to have met this remarkable man. He was one of the great men of his time and served us all with love, honor and respect. Peace be with you, Stoney.
Jen Briggs says
RIP Stoney. What a life you lived. I am very honored to know that you instilled the values you lived by in your children. I am honored to call them friends. Open hearts and open minds are always there to greet you with the Wines. Thank you for your service to your country, our city and your family. You will be greatly missed. Sean and Allie, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
John and Susan Sandru says
Stoney was one of the kindest and most considerate men I have ever known. He was so kind to my mother-in-law, Violet Sandru. I can only imagine how much he will be missed by his family. I was privileged to have know him.
John M. Sandru says
It was a honor and a pleasure to know Stoney. He was truly a special angel from my mother ,Violet Sandru. He made her feel like the special person she was. I will miss Stoney deeply
Judi Dahl Foutz says
Jake & Nina,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. He lived a long and wonderful life and you were so lucky to have him for as long as you did. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kelli Wines (Zonk) says
Oh how I already miss you Grandpa! I will never forget how your laughter would make a heart smile. I have so many wonderful memories of you that I will always hold dear to my heart. I will miss seeing the raise of your brow and hearing the chuckle in your voice when you say Zonko. Thanks for all you have provided for our Country and family. Every time I see the USA flag I will be reminded of your bravery, loyalty and gentleness. I love you Grandpa Stoney.
Kelly Borsberry says
To the Wines family,
A great man to me and our country. I will always remember the fun we had at our shared cabin up south Poorman with my grandparents Bill & Gin Cumming. Wading in the creek, listening to the Doria, Stoney, Bill & Gin laugh and have so much fun in that old cabin. Stoney would let Sean I and my brother Tim and cousin Mike drive his old willies jeep when we were in grade school. I remember going to Sean’s when where kids and eating the honey butter by the gallon. Always so happy and a giant of a man with such a gentle heart. One of the best laughs you could ever hear. I will miss our memories, Wishing you blue skies and tail winds Stoney. Love Kelly
Kim Ewing says
Dear Sean and family,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I keep you in thought and prayer asking God to keep his loving arms wrapped around you, comforting you, giving you strength.
Maurie and Joy Bahnsen says
Dear Julie, Jake, Sean and famlies,
We were sorry to hear about your Dads passing, I have so many wonderful memories of your family. The stories are endless. Your Dad truly made the world a better place. I know he was one of my Dads best friends. You are in our thoughts and prayers, and may God hold you all in the palm of his hand. “George” Joyanne Burgett Bahnsen
Michael Spatz says
My heart goes out to you guys, Love you all.
Pat and Jodi Borsberry and family says
We are so sorry to hear about Stoney, he indeed was a great man.And I will always remember him havin fun with me when I was in the band he always would say man that guy just doesnt stop moving. And I was really happy to give him his cavalry spurs he loaned my grandfather I remember the day and where we were when I said to him by god I have them spurs and was able to give them back.So sorry for all of your loss to the entire family. PAT
Peter & Deb Rehmann says
To Julie & the Wines Family,
Your father, Stoney/Col. Wines was a very dear person. Deb and I have found memories of him and Dora walking past our home in the “Sixth Ward”, going to or from Julie’s, but stopping to chit-chat with us or our, at the time,young daughter’s. I remember the girls enjoying talking with him, yet having that young shyness. I remember, having to look up when talking with him, feeling that he sort of towered over me height wise. Little did I know, the living “History” book that was standing there talking with me.
Our condolenses to your family and thank you for your father’s, very important service to our country.
Peter Rehmann
USAF – Sgt
HPD – Retired
Ruszkowski Family says
Sean, Allie and family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Deepest Sympathy,
Marcia, Mike and Kyle
Samantha Wines says
My Grandfather was one of the sweetest people I knew. He always had such a funny sense of humor and was always making us laugh. When I was a little girl he used to always say …”And here comes the good part…Tra la la”. It was an inside joke for years. Although we lived far apart…I chose to write him letters and send him cards just to brighten his day as much as I could. He loved that I did that. I am going to miss his letters back to me, I am going to miss sitting with him when I came to visit Montana and letting him tell me his war stories, or how much he loved my grandmother. He always knew exactly how many years, months, and days it had been since she passed. I looked up to him and never wanted to let him down…I will continue to make you proud Grandpa. I love you so much. Sammy
Sean Paul Wines says
Gramps it seems like only yesterday that you were visiting us in virginia stealing my veggies so i could get desert . You are already missed especially by me love sean paul
Sean Wines says
My Father was a great man whose service to his country, city of Helena and the State of Montana should never be forgotten. He fought for our freedom, patroled the streets of Helena for our safety and protected Montana State from the fraud of Real Estate scams. My dad is truly and American Hero and I will miss him so much. Thank you all who have signed his page, my brother Jake and I truly appreciate it. Dad, rest in peace and I’m so happy that you’re back with Mom. Love your son, Sean.
Swamp Rat says
Dear Dad,
So effortlessly you filled the void that was left when my father died. You always had open arms and an open heart for me. Never once did I feel like an “in-law”. You are a geniune and honorable man and I thank you for passing on those values to your children. You taught me so much and I didn’t even realize you were doing it. The world has lost a true hero, not just for your service to this country, but for the way you lived each day with integrity and love. We are all indebted to you. You will never be forgotten. Love you always, Allie.
Tim Borsberry says
The cabin up South Poorman, silver dollar pancakes in the mornin’ and learning to fish in the creek; Stoney pulling me out of the creek when I was four and Dora holding me in a blanket on her lap to keep me warm; the blue Wagoneer and Dora’s class and fancy hair; us kids high-dive swimmin, music and dancing, Lincoln and Lampkins and us kids sleepin out in the car. I have warm and fond memories of our families. I always felt like I had a wing over me when I was around Stoney and Dora. I’m sure you have an eagle’s wing over you, Stoney. Sean and family – my family sends their deepest regards.
Tim Schumacher says
Very nice ceremony today…I was honored to be invited.
Toby Robinson says
I miss you Colonel.
G’pa Stoney “adopted” me as his own when I told him that my natural Mexican grandfather wanted nothing to do with me. He treated me with respect and dignity each time I saw him. I will miss our talks about football and the “NICKEL DEFENSE”. With just his presence he gave me a sense of absolute pride for my country, and for those who fight for it. A man of all men who had such a caring and sensitive side. I will always remember him “grooving” to the music of 9 Miles Up… He had rhythm. It has been an honor to be a small part of his life, a man whom I respect as much as my own father. Thank you for loving me as one of your own. Rest in peace, Grandpa Stoney.
~Toby Robinson~, grandson(in-law)
Tylene Cato says
We are so sorry for your loss. Stoney was a great man and will always be grampa grape to all of the grandkids at Julies. May he rest in peace.