James L. "Bullwinkle" Van Winkle

In Loving Memory

James L. "Bullwinkle" Van Winkle

December 1, 1937 – August 17, 2025

WILLIAMSTOWN, NY – James L. "Bullwinkle" VanWinkle, 87, of Williamstown, NY; passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 17, 2025. He was born on December 1, 1937, in Camden, NY to the late James E. and Eileen Fox VanWinkle.

On June 7, 1956, he was united in marriage to Josephine "Josie" Wheeler. In May of 1974 Jim and Josie co-founded the Queen Central News in Camden, NY with two co-workers and a local businessman. Over the next 49 years, Jim passionately shared the local happenings and news with Camden and the surrounding communities. His column, "Over the Roads with Bullwinkle" was a mainstay, sharing thoughts, musings, quotes and ideas, especially bragging about his large family. Jim felt compelled to share his views with his friends, neighbors and community members until his retirement in 2023.

When Jim wasn't sharing the news, he was busy being the Patriarch of his family. Jim was very proud of his very large and diverse family. He loved his children and grandchildren more than anything and was affectionately known to them as "Pa".

Jim was a Life Member of the Williamstown Volunteer Fire Department as well as several other local organizations.

He was pre-deceased by his wife, Josephine "Josie" Wheeler VanWinkle, in 2021; his brother, Kenny; sisters, Sandi, Doreen and Ramona.

Jim is survived by his children, Debi (Frank) Scott, Donna (Chip) Hamblin, Diane (Grover) Trumble, Jimbo (Missy) Van Winkle, Darla (Bryan) Woodcock, Denise (Vern) Kuc and Dori (Shawn) Montieth; 19 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Marjorie Baldwin and Karen Madrigal of San Bernadino, CA; in-laws, Bill and Pat Wheeler, Peg and Bob Kennedy, Janice and Bob Oakes; along with several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service Information will be as follows:

Calling Hours – 4 – 7 p.m. Monday, August 25, 2025, from LaRobardiere Funeral Home, 109 Main Street, Camden, NY.

Funeral Services – 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from LaRobardiere Funeral Home, 109 Main Street, Camden, NY, with Graveside Services to follow in Fairview Cemetery, Williamstown, NY.

Following the services, Friends and Family are invited to a Celebration of Jim's Life at the Williamstown Volunteer Fire Department, 575, NY – 13, Williamstown, NY.