Jim Winkle

Click Here To View Memorial Video With Jim's Own Music Compositions Wilburn Wainwright “Jim” Winkle, 90, of Idaho Falls, stepped through the awesome gates of Heaven on September 27, 2014, at Life Care Center of Idaho Falls. He was surrounded by family and friends. Born November 23, 1923, in Texanna, Oklahoma, to John and Minnie Winkle. Jim lived in Oklahoma until he was 14. During the Dustbowl period, he and his family packed up and headed for California. He graduated from Oakdale Union High School. He attended Modesto State Junior College in California, and earned his Associate Degree from the University of New Mexico. He later obtained a CLU degree for working in insurance. Jim served in the U. S. Navy during World War II as a Torpedoman’s Mate Third Class on the USS Hazelwood, which was bombed by Kamikaze Japanese pilots. He helped decommission the USS Hazelwood, then transferred to and helped decommission the USS Lovelace. Following his discharge from the Navy, Jim joined the country music band “Maddox Brothers & Rose” and performed at dances and stage shows throughout California and Nevada. In 1948, he became a Christian and left the entertainment world. He also worked at the U. S. Postal Service during that time. He later entered the ministry as Pastor and Evangelist for the United Brethren in Christ and continued as an ordained minister the rest of his life. On June 6, 1949, he married Betty June Silva at the Assembly of God church in Modesto, California. From 1955-1957 he pastored the United Brethren Church in Twin Falls, Idaho, before he and his wife traveled as Evangelists. In 1960 he was licensed to sell life insurance and worked for Sierra Life. He and Betty divorced in 1968. He married Barbara in 1970, and Marlus in 1979. Jim lived in Twin Falls for 45 years before moving to Idaho Falls in 2007 to live with his daughter. For more than 20 years he had his own musical group called “The High Country,” and played private clubs, dances, and conventions. He conducted 15-20 weddings per year, continuing to do so well into his 80s, and volunteered as Founding Chaplain at Magic Valley Regional Medical Center. In his later years he worked part-time as a cashier at the Salvation Army Thrift Store and taught Sunday School at the Salvation Army Church. He was a member of the American Legion Post 7 out of Twin Falls, the Elks Lodge, and Moose Club. He enjoyed singing, song writing, reading, crossword puzzles, bowling, and spending time with family. Jim is survived by his daughter, Charm (Leo) O'Ryan of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Ted (Paula) Mangini of Salt Lake City, UT; three granddaughters, Cheyenne O'Ryan and Briar Rose Heisler of Idaho Falls, ID, Pauliese (Kevin) Litnak of Salt Lake City, UT; three grandsons, Albert and Stephan (Deja) O'Ryan, of Idaho Falls, ID, Teddy Mangini of Nashville, TN; 8 great grandchildren, Faith, Gracie, and Serenity Later, Trayven Heisler, Micah and Naomi Litnak; Amelie and Gabriel Mangini, numerous nieces and nephews who also loved him very much, and Buddy, the family dog - Jim’s faithful friend. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; four brothers; two sisters; three daughters, Pamela, Cindy, and Fawn; son, Roger Dale. A memorial service rejoicing in the full life Jim led will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 12, 2014, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue. The family will visit with friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, October 11, 2014, at the funeral home. Military Rites will be performed by the Jefferson County Memorial Team.

Memorial Services will be held

2:00 p.m. ,Sunday, October 12, 2014 Wood Funeral Home 273 North Ridge Avenue Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Notes: The family will visit with friends Saturday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home.