James Frederick "Jim" Winter
James Frederick "Jim" Winter
Obituary
Guest Book
James Winter Obituary
Location: Weymouth Funeral Home
With deep love, we announce the passing of James "Jim" Frederick Winter, 67, of Gloucester Point, VA. Jim was a devoted husband to his cherished wife, Arcelia Winter, with whom he shared a remarkable and lasting love. Together, they blended two families into one, creating a home filled with laughter, music, and unwavering support.
Jim was the proud father of Shannon Winter and Dana Winter, and a loving stepfather to Sunshine Aragon, Zach Aragon, and JanArboy Santos.
He was also a joyful grandfather to Tallie Winter, Aurora Winter, Anna Winter, and Joshua Santos, each of whom brought him endless pride.
Born to Patricia Mae Winter and Rolf Gerhard Winter, both respected educators-Patricia an art professor and Rolf a physics professor at the College of William & Mary-Jim grew up in a family rooted in curiosity, creativity, and intellect. He was raised alongside his two older siblings: Erika Louise Winter, a talented lawyer, and Edward Paul Winter, a gifted scientist.
While his family excelled in academia, Jim followed a different calling-the world of music. Attending Berklee College of Music, he turned his passion into profession, founding Winter Sound out of the garage of his first home. From recording sessions to selling records and equipment, Jim worked tirelessly until he earned enough to open the storefront just across the street.
Over the next 30 years, Winter Sound became a cornerstone of the Gloucester music community. What began as a small business grew into a beloved sanctuary-a place where musicians young and old could gather, create, and feel inspired. Jim poured his heart into every inch of the store, and the warmth and creativity inside were unmistakable to anyone who walked through its doors.
Beyond retail, Winter Sound offered music lessons that changed lives. Many young people discovered confidence, purpose, and safe expression under Jim's encouragement-proof of his belief that music can shape futures.
Jim's legacy lives in his family, his store, and the countless lives he touched through kindness, mentorship, and generosity. Winter Sound stands not just as a business, but as a testament to Jim's spirit-and there will never be another quite like it.
A Memorial Service honoring Jim's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Weymouth Funeral Home. The service is open to all. If Jim touched your life-musically, emotionally, or in any meaningful way-his family welcomes you to join in celebrating his remarkable journey.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Michael A. Stumpf
January 31, 2026
It's difficult not to write a novel here. But Jim was a rare individual. He was a great musician and musicians friend. If you were a musician and you knew Jim, he would make it his mission, to help make your life a little bit better. I've played jobs with Jim as his bassist in JAZZ and Hard Rock music. Once he sold me a new Crate/J.B.L. combo bass amp (for a great deal) and he said: That's not gonna be enough, so he pulls an SWR bass cabinet off his showroom floor that was the size of a small refrigerator. I put my amp on top of it and I could barely reach the controls. We played in a job at Waterside in Norfolk and I got to experience what it what Bus Aldrin experienced when he flew to the Moon in the Saturn 5 rocket.
Donnie Kepley
January 21, 2026
This may be a bit disjointed, as I have decades of memories that have faded with time.
I first met Jim in the very early 80´s. At the time, he was running sound for various bands and did so for one of my very first gigs.
During the later 80´s, when Jim had his store in his house, he also had a recording studio on the property. The drummer in the band I was in was the recording engineer there, so I spent a lot of time there and Jim and I became good friends.
He was so helpful to so many of our area´s musicians. I told many of my friends, "You´ll pay a toll (on the Coleman Bridge), but it will be worth it" for the honesty and integrity that Jim brought to his business.
In the early 90´s Jim allowed me to be one of his `employees´ representing Winter Sound at that winter´s NAMM Show in Los Angeles.
He, and a group of us friends roamed the clubs of Norfolk back when there was a scene there.
I got to play with Jim, briefly. We should remember him as a great drummer, as well as for his business.
My wife and I were married on Halloween and as such, we had a wedding/H-ween party. Jim came dressed as a road! He had a black blanket draped over his shoulders with a yellow line painted down the middle and a cone attached about mid-way down his torso! I´ve looked and can´t find any photos of him in that costume, unfortunately.
I´m so glad that when I found out about his illness, I was able to come see him at the store, while he was still there. I told him I loved him and he responded in like.
Thank you, Jim Winter for your friendship. I miss you, already.
It is not often in this life we get to have a friendship with people that have as good a heart as him.
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Parke Shelton
January 15, 2026
The best friend a musician could have... wether seasoned or beginner... Patient, kind and knowledgeable.... and always gave above, and beyond that ....
I will truly miss you Jim´ ...
I will always visit what you built
Walter Strode
January 14, 2026
Jim always had a smile every time I walked into his store. For many years winter sound was the place to go to for all your musical needs.
Condolences are sent to all his family and friends. He will be rocking the heavenly band.
Debbie Milby Riggs
January 14, 2026
I know Jim will playing in heaven's band. I bought a sound system from Jim for my daughter for Christmas many years ago, when he was operating out of a house across the street from his building where the store is now. We bought 2 guitars for 2 of my kids and a keyboard for me through the years. He was such a great guy.
David Schengber
January 14, 2026
After decades of being away, Jim Winter sold me a guitar and brought me back to the music I love -and for that I will always be grateful. He touched many lives. God bless the Winter family.
Dave Craft
January 13, 2026
I´ve known Jim since the mid 1990´s. I always enjoyed the visits, and yes an Amp, or guitar would always catch my eye and follow me home. I will miss our conversations and friendly banter. God Bless you Jim, rest in peace, my friend.
Josh Tschirhart
January 13, 2026
I'm so sorry to hear that Jim is no longer with us. I was just thinking a few days ago that I should stop by Winter Sound and hopefully say hi to Jim, as it has been a while since my last visit. Jim was such a kind fellow and always had good advice or something interesting to say in conversation. I met Jim back in 1997 and ordered my drum set from him when the store was still based across the street in his home, and then I picked them up from the current location right after the move. In more recent years, both of my kids got to interact with Jim while shopping for various band accessories. Even when I didn't need something, stopping by to say hello was always a treat (even if you had to wait for him to finish a conversation with another customer just to exchange a brief "how's it going?"). My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Herbie Young
January 13, 2026
Jim is an important role model and father figure to my life long before I knew it myself. From the age of 8 walking in to get my first guitar on my birthday, that was the beginning to a long-lasting connection. He not only inspired and encouraged me to pursue my passion for music, but constantly made efforts to spread wisdom of life, love, and the qualities of being a man. He was always selflessly giving to others without expecting anything in return, just with the hopes to spread positivity. As time passed and I grew older, he always remained his genuine self. You've been an immense impact to me and the community you served, you'll always be in our heart Pops.
Stevven Timm
January 13, 2026
This was my Dad. The closest thing I had to a father in my life other than my Uncle Randy. I introduced him to my Mom when I was in the 7th grade. They married and he became my step father. He was a good man and always did everything to take care of us. After I joined the Army out of high school he continued his parenting with my sister and brother. He and my mother drifted away a few years later but he still kept his bond with us. Everytime I was able to I stopped in and shared dinner with him and his new family. Words can´t express how much I´ll miss him and it still doesn´t feel real. I shared dinner with him for the last time about 8 months ago when I was passing through town on my way to Florida from New Jersey. He will forever be missed. There´s not a lot of people in this world that can compare to him. I love you and miss you.
Roger Jones
January 12, 2026
Such a great drummer, sound guy and nice person who was never out to rip anybody off! Always bought all of my new Zildjian cymbals cheaper than anywhere and drum stuff from him for "Spirit Ministries" in '86 while he was still in Grafton, and then Jim ordered all the PD-21 pads so I could build my custom designed Roland PD-21 (chain kit) for "the Rock House" I designed and used with Christian rock/metal trio "Vessel" and Christian rock band "4-Runner" ('87-'89) and my church praise kit from 1987-2022. Hopefully some Jesus talk rubbed off on him in a good way!
Scott and Robin Tuck
January 12, 2026
I met Jim back in 2000 when I bought my first Taylor guitar. An acoustic beauty, 25th anniversary then. Such a wonderful man very pleasant and very kind. Wishing all of his family and friends my heartfelt condolences.
David Merrill
January 12, 2026
Jim was the salt of the Earth. A true gentleman and the best in all aspects of his dealing with customers and knowledge of his equipment and offerings.
A beautiful human being who will be Greatly missed.
Rest in peace Jim.
Winston Trice
January 12, 2026
What a great guy - Jim helped me out and always paired me with the right equipment, and his knowledge on gear was so vast. He was always willing to answer my questions and give me honest feedback. I will miss him and offer peace and comfort to his loved ones.
The Taylors
January 11, 2026
Jim was a wonderful human who made the world a better place. His brilliant light has been extinguished far too quickly, and the world seems dimmer now. Praying for comfort and peace for his family and friends.
Gwendolyn Smith
January 11, 2026
Sending our Condolences and Heartfelt Prayers to Sally(Acelia) the children grandchildren and all the extended families of Jim Winter. We were so sorry and sadden to hear about the lost of your Loved One James "Jim" Winter. Jim was a very caring and nice person. Always had a smile on his face. Jim may be gone but he will never be forgotten for you each wholes a part of Jim in your hearts. Another one of God's Angles has been called to his heavenly home. Lean one one another during this difficult time. God Be The Glory AMEN!!!!!!
Love you always Sally and family. Love Gwen Smith, Eric, Gwennesia, Gwenlarnique Lar'Nesia and the Smith families.Keeping you all lifted up in our prayers.
William K Brown
January 11, 2026
My deepest condolences to the Winter family in the tragic loss of Jim. Jim was both a friend and a dedicated music businessman always willing to help me find exactly the right equipment I needed. We bonded as friends over the years through Winter Sound. It breaks my heart to know he is not there anymore. I will cherish my friendship and pray for the Winter family as they grieve and mourn his passing. May God shower you all with love, peace and comfort is this difficult time.
Larry Heatwole
January 11, 2026
Jim, we met in the early '80's, and I've always considered you a great friend, all through the years. "till we meet again, Dear Friend."
Ivan Christo
January 11, 2026
Jim was always such a warm and encouraging presence in my life, since childhood. Jim and the band were always around the space next door when I was a kid, inspiring me to want to shred. Winter sound was where I learned my skills as a musician that have been become the most valuable and precious to me as a creative. I am always grateful he provided that for me and countless others in Gloucester. He always had a smile, throughout my whole life. Jim always was such a sweet person. Last summer he helped solve my gate issues with my vocoder feedback. Here he is resolving some sort of soldering issues on my overly complicated setup. I really enjoyed that moment with him, and I'm glad he took a few minutes out of his day to help me. Jim was always so kind to me. I'm sending love to him, Arcelia, and the rest of the family.
Shilina Lewis
January 11, 2026
Jim always was very welcoming along with his wife. My heart goes out to his family and friends. I am beyond thankful for everything he ever did for my family when it came to music. May god give you all much peace and comfort during this time.
Dana Newsome
January 11, 2026
We are very saddened by Jim's passing and will very much miss seeing him at the store. We thought of him as a friend, as well as an expert in his field. We all send condolences to Jim's family. Bill Jenkins and the Virginia Mountain Boys.
Traci Daniel
January 11, 2026
We purchased a drum set from Jim four years ago. It was for our seven year old daughter for Christmas. She has become a good drummer for her age. Jim would encourage her to keep playing every time she saw him . He would always get her everything she needed. She loved going to his store . He will be so missed in
our community.
Taylor Helm
January 11, 2026
Got my first amp from Jim 21 years ago. At 10 years old, I was too shy to test it so he grabbed the same squire strat I had off the wall and plugged right in. Jim sat there and played any song I wanted to hear. He asked what music I liked, what sounds I liked. He showed me how to get the sound out of that little crate Amp. And he showed me that music comes from within, not from the gear.
Years later i was giving guitar lessons and my 10 year old student and they wanted an electric guitar. They went into Winter sound and picked up a perfect les paul Jr from epiphone and asked how much for her first guitar. Jim's answer: it's free. She ended up playing through that same crate Amp and was one of my best students.
Jim breathed music into the lives of all of us like no one else could. For that we are forever grateful.
All of our love to the family. We will truly miss Jim Winter.
Barry Blackburn
January 11, 2026
Condolences to all so sad to hear of this he will be missed by many. Take care everyone and remember Jim for who he was.
Jennifer Jordan
January 10, 2026
So very sad to hear about this! He sold my dad my first Roland Ep7 electric piano when I was a teenager. I just spoke to him last year when my son came in and he graciously helped to string his guitar. Always a cheerful smile and an effort to go out of his way to help. He will be dearly missed!
Nick skidmore
January 10, 2026
Jim was a man who changed this world through music. He saw a broken man, lost and wandering. He sold a piano that day, and I'm doing so, changed the rest of my life. He gave me a love I never knew I needed, always took time to help me learn deapite all my outlandish ideas lol. I owe my musical accomplishments to this man, and his generosity is far beyond words. You will be missed man. I will always be a customer and may your memory live on in every soul you touched with your music. May you Rest in peace.
Charles Dunlevy, Jr.
January 10, 2026
I offer my condolences to all who are still loved by Jim. It was always a special time to go by Winter Sound whether I walked out with just a set of strings or a new guitar. You will be missed Jim Winter. Thank you for helping me with my music over the years.
Your friend in music,
Charles `Bunny´ Dunlevy
Billy Gardner
January 10, 2026
Jim was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was unrivaled in his passion for music, musicians, musical instruments. Jim was kind and compassionate, and would do anything to help musicians get the instrument they wanted, and at a great price! He was one of a kind! Thank you for 40+ years of friendship and service to me, my family, and friends! Oh how I will miss you! Billy Gardner
Ann Tommasino
January 10, 2026
Jim was a tremendous guide when I looked for a guitar. He was never just trying to make a sale, he listened to my needs and wants from a guitar and spent a long time patiently answering my questions. In the end, I purchased a Taylor guitar that I love more each day. RIP Jim and many thanks for being so helpful to me.
Vernon Lee Holloman Jr
January 10, 2026
Jim was a musical friend to many in the local community. I always enjoyed his company and expertise as I shopped his store. We were at Berklee at the same time, back in the seventies, but really didnt get to know each other until after graduation when I first visited his original store in Gloucester. I know he will be missed by many musicians, friends and family. Rest in peace, Jim.
Maurice Murphy
January 10, 2026
Jim was always such a guiding light in helping me with various instruments and parts over the years. Truly a delight to know. God Bless.
Stephen Leed
January 10, 2026
Jim Winter has been my go to friend for much of my musical needs for almost 30 years! I've purchased many guitars. mics, stands, amps recording boards and much more. His advice and input was always very helpful. He became much more than store owner. he was a great friend. My son, grandkids and great grandkids have all visited Winter sound for their musical needs. Jim will be greatly missed in many ways!
Johnny st.clair
January 10, 2026
RIP PEACH My dear friend you have done so much for me and working musicians in this community. Eternally grateful. JOHNNY ST.CLAIR
David Holloway
January 10, 2026
Bought strings and recording equipment from Jim and he was always warm and attentive.My condolences to his family and friends
Grady Brown
January 10, 2026
I am going to miss Jim. He is a treasure to those of us who knew him. I really loved our conversations, his personal approach to business and he always took time to help solve problems. My condolences to his family.
Heather McHale
January 10, 2026
My love and prayers are with the family during this devastating time. Zach please reach out if you need anything
Jenny
January 10, 2026
Quite a loss for the family and this community. Such a wonderful man. Made sure his love of music carried through to generations. My dad knew him and was a customer for years. Fast forward to my now 21 yr old son also being a loyal customer. He touched so many lives and made music affordable for many. I'm so sorry he is gone. His legacy will live on in the many special instruments he helped people be able to own.
Julie Bondurant
January 10, 2026
Jim was a wonderful, kind and caring man. I am so sorry to the family, and friends, as well as to our whole community, for their loss. I met Jim and his family when my family first moved into the Gloucester area and I started working with my Neighbor's cleaning business. My husband was a musician, so Winter Sound became the place to go. Before my husband passed away, on the average, we were probably in the store chatting with Jim at least once a week for likely 25 years. Jim and Winter Sound was the go to for anything musical to even Apple computers. My children, Granddaughters, and my Father-in-law all knew Jim was "the man". Jim will certainly be missed by so many!
Kent Kane
January 10, 2026
I will miss you Jim, but I trust we will meet again one day. Rest easy.
Crystal Bondurant-Salisbury
January 10, 2026
Our family is so sorry for your loss and we will truly miss Jim. I feel so blessed to of been able to have Jim and Winter Sound in my life. Dad would take me with him down to the shop to look, play, or buy a guitar, but mostly talk about guitars. I got to grow up going in and out of that shop and then I was able to take my little musician into that shop. We went for reeds and a leir for a saxophone her 6th grade year and it's been our rountine for 7 years now. It's such a staple in our lives I can't imagine what it will be like to not ask Jim what he thinks is best. My little saxophone player is also a bassoon player now headed off to college soon for music education, and Winter Sound played a huge part in that, and not just in reeds, seat straps, or music books.
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