James McComb Winne Jr.

James McComb Winne, Jr., 78, passed away November 27, 2025 after a long struggle with heart disease. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sandra Sprowl, and pre-deceased by his parents, James and Kathryn Winne, as well as his brother, Robert Winne.

Raised in the Wythe neighborhood of Hampton, Virginia, Jim developed friendships there which lasted a lifetime. He played Little League baseball and competed in bowling, becoming the state youth champion at age 15. He was a proud Boy Scout, where he learned the wilderness skills that fostered a lifelong love of hiking, camping, and fishing.

He met his wife Sandy skiing in Vail. After first living in New York City where Jim worked in hotel management, they found their way west to Walnut Creek CA. There, nature was close at hand in regional open spaces and Mt. Diablo - with the Sierras not far away. They went on many camping trips throughout the West, exploring the mountains and forests and experiencing the grandeur of all the National Parks.

In 1996, they both took up jogging on nearby trails, but for Jim, running became a passion. He kept increasing his stamina and distances and soon was running ultra races of 50K, 50 miles, and even 100 miles. These races were always held in beautiful places, so he saw amazing sights on the trail that only a distance runner could reach. He completed over 75 ultras, and would volunteer or crew for fellow runners when he couldn't race himself. Jim found many good friends among this ultra trail-running community.

Jim was a big sports fan, avidly following basketball, baseball and football - both college and pro. He loved going to games, and reveled in the NBA championships, World Series, and Superbowl wins delivered by our Bay Area teams.

Jim was a rock music aficionado - with the Allman Brothers and southern rock at the pinnacle. He and his wife Sandy took advantage of the San Francisco music scene, going to many concerts and festivals over the years. Whenever Jim discovered a new group he liked, he would find out when they would be in town so he could go hear them play live on stage.

Jim and Sandy felt lucky to share the same love of the outdoors, sports, and music so they could do all these things together. With his passing, a huge hole has been left in her heart and her life.

Jim's ashes will be scattered along the trails that he loved. For those wishing to honor his memory, please give to a charity of your choice - Jim knew the need was great everywhere.