Search by Name

Search by Name

James Winzeler Obituary

James T. Winzeler (Jim)
died unexpectedly on Sept. 16, 2013 in Reno, Nev. at age 88, of arteriosclerosis. Jim was born in Akron, Ohio and grew up in Canton, where he attended and graduated from Lehman High School in 1943. Shortly after graduation he entered the army, served in Germany during the final phase of the war and was honorably discharged in 1946. Following his military service he enrolled and graduated from the University of Chicago on the GI Bill, after which he pursued graduate study in English literature at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Jim lived an unconventional but rich and full life, much of it abroad. His army experience and his education created a strong desire to see the wider world. After his university studies he took a job as a schoolteacher on Guam, Micronesia for three years. From there he moved to Brazil where he lived for the next five years, mainly in Fortaleza in the far northeast, where he managed a US bi-national center for the American government. He left Brazil and a secure position with the US state department after contracting hepatitis and, following a brief return to Canton, moved to Japan. Here he remained for the next 25 years, his longest and most satisfying stay anywhere. In Japan he lived in Kyoto in an old traditional Japanese house, joined the faculty at Doshisha University and opened and for many years ran an English school on the side. After retirement in Japan, and partly because he could speak Portuguese, he moved to Coimbra, Portugal, where he again taught English, for the next 12 years. When nearly 80 he was persuaded by his family to return to the US and moved to St. Petersburg, Fla. where he remained until April of this year when he moved to Reno to be close to his younger brother, Bob and sister-in-law, Judy in what turned out to be his final months. Wherever he lived Jim made friends easily, lived in the local community and immersed himself in the local culture. While overseas he remained close to his parents while they were alive and to his brother and sister and their families, through visits, letters and photos. He greatly valued travel, art and literature and loved animals. Jim did not seek material wealth, marriage and children, a successful conventional career or even the security sought by many people. Of his own free will, he chose the road less traveled and never indicated any regrets for having done so.
Jim is survived by his younger brother, Robert Winzeler of Reno, Nev.; his younger sister, Sally Brownfield of Mt. Clemens, Mich.; three nieces and one nephew, and five grand-nieces and nephews, all of whom wish he was still here, but take some comfort in knowing that his time had come. He spent his last evening with Judy and Bob, talking happily about their recent trip abroad and looking forward to seeing the photos.
Services will be private.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Repository on Nov. 24, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for James Winzeler

Not sure what to say?





0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Make a Donation
in James Winzeler's name

Memorial Events
for James Winzeler

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Winzeler's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more