James Joseph Winter, 86, passed away on Wednesday March 15, 2017, in Show Low, Arizona. Jim was born on Dec. 20, 1930, in Alpena, S.D. He graduated from Alpena High School in 1948. He was a proud member of the 90th Bomb Squadron and served in the Korean conflict from 1952-1954. He reengaged with his fellow bomb squadron attending many of the reunions in his later years. After serving his country he began to build his family and further his education. He met his wife of 62 years in Huron, S.D., where they were married in 1954. They had three daughters in South Dakota, Lauri, Susan and Sharon. Jim also received his Bachelors degree in 1960 and his Masters degree in 1966 from Cornell University. At a young age Jim accepted Jesus Christ as his lord and savior and spent much of his life serving the church. He brought his family to central and West Africa where they spent a total of 28 years as missionaries. When Jim and Jean returned to the U.S. they settled in Jacksonville, Fla., where their middle daughter Susan lived. They lived in Jacksonville for 19 years where they enjoyed spending time with Susan and their grandkids. They remained active members of the Arlington United Church of Christ throughout their time in Jacksonville. They made their final move to Snowflake in 2007. Over the last 10 years Jim spent most of his time with church groups, the rotary, gardening and raising awareness on political issues that he was most passionate about. No matter where he was or what he was doing, throughout Jim’s entire life his main concern was to always do the right thing. That is what those who knew him best will always remember him for. As a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather family was his main priority and he made sure to love and guide his family with his values. Because of his strong moral compass and sense of service everyone that Jim came into contact with benefited from his support and his attitude. Survivors include his wife Jean, his three daughters, five grandchildren and two great grandsons. Arrangements were handled by Silver Creek Mortuary in Taylor.
