James Richard Winnie

James Richard Winnie, age 100, of Defiance, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, surrounded by his family at Community Health Professionals Inpatient Hospice Center, Defiance.

He was born on March 2, 1925, to the late James and Marcia (Noyes) Winnie in Cooperstown, New York. On July 23, 1945, he married Irene Lantz who preceded him in death. They met in Fort Wayne, and after a whirlwind romance, were married at Baer Field Air Force chapel before Jim shipped off to Japan in the Army Air Corps. People said it wouldn't last...it was 78 years! Jim worked as a millwright at General Motors Powertrain for 30 years, retiring in 1985. He was a member of the Ney Church of God, Ney American Legion, Sherwood Masonic Lodge where he was past master, he was past president of the 5th Masonic District and a member of Zenobia Shrine and one of the founding members of the Zenobia Corvaris parade unit. Jim was also a member of the Defiance VFW, Defiance AMVETS, Korean Veterans Chapter 1 and Glider Pilots Association. Jim loved his woodworking, travel with Irene and grandkids, trips to Europe twice with the Zenobia Shrine and Hawaii twice. He was a fisherman and enjoyed hunting all wildlife. He was drafted into active duty for World War II in 1943, while still in high school. He received his high school diploma from Fairview High School in December 2001. Jim was also a graduate of Aircraft Mechanic School and obtained his private pilot's license. Flying airplanes was a big part of Jim's life, and he owned several airplanes.

Jim is survived by his sons, George (Darla) Winnie of Defiance and Keith (Kay) Winnie of Defiance; and daughter-in-law, Pam Winnie of Russellville, Arkansas. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; two sons, Kent Robert Winnie and Paul Dennis Winnie; two grandsons; and four sisters.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, from 3-7 p.m. at Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 206 N. Lynn St., Bryan with a Masonic Service beginning at 7 p.m. in the funeral home. Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, beginning at 11 a.m. at Ney Church of God, 3413 Ohio 15, Ney, Ohio, with Pastor Kevin King and Pastor Doug Nolt officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Ney Cemetery with military rites accorded by Ney American Legion Post 620. A lunch will be served at the church following the burial.

The family requests memorials be made to Shriner's Hospitals for Children or Ney Church of God.

Condolences and fond memories can be shared with the family at www.oberlinturnbull.com.