James Leo Winkler, 92, Washington, passed away at 11:06 a.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2024 at Hillside Manor Nursing Home. He was born June 18, 1932, in Vincennes, Indiana. He was the son of Elmer D. and Anna (Tromley) Winkler.
He was once a Main St merchant, managing the Merit Shoe Company store in Washington in the mid 1960’s. In the 70’s, he was a salesman for Allison Electric in Washington, and later for Red’s Country Store in Vincennes. He was awarded as a 50 year member by the American Legion Post in Vincennes in March 2014. And he was Vice-Commander for the Legion’s 7th district from 1997 to 2005. He continued to support veterans by personally providing transportation to veterans needing services at VA hospitals. James was also a long time member of the Eagles Lodge, the 40&8, and the VFW. He joined the Navy near the end of the Korean War, and he was assigned to the Battleship USS-Iowa (BB-61).
He was preceded in death by his parents; Elmer & Anna, and his brothers and sisters: Daniel Winkler, Charlie Winkler, Elmer Winkler, Dora Colbert, Roberta Hopper, Aline Denny, Bob Young, Dorothy Burkhart, Evelyn Snow and Bud Young; and two siblings in infancy.
Survivors include his sons; Arlen (Cathy) Winkler, Jim (Jill) Winkler, and Chris (Crystal) Winkler; a daughter, Suzanne (Scott) Kern; and a stepdaughter, Michelle Woodsmall. Grandchildren; Kevin Winkler, Morgan Winkler, Jordan (Catherine) Winkler, Garrett (Julie) Winkler, Lauren (Tyler) Graber, Nathan Kern, Martin (Isabel) Winkler, Jacob (Brooklyn) Winkler, and Aleena Winkler. Great-grand children; Frances, George, and Caroline Winkler; Meredith and Elise Winkler; Graham, Granger, and Tyson Graber; and Emerson Winkler.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Friday July 19, 2024 with visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of service at Fredrick and Son-Gill Funeral Home Washington Chapel, 308 East Walnut St, with the Rev. Tom Watson officiating. Visitation will also be on Thursday, July 18, 2024 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Also at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Sugarland Memorial Garden Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, offerings can be madey to the American Legion or local Veterans organization, 501 E. Main St. Washington, IN 47501.
