James E. WINKENWERDER Obituary (2024)

James "Wink" Edwin Winkenwerder passed on December 21,2024. James was born in Salem, Oregon on January 15, 1935. James graduated from Yakima Senior High School in 1954 and then graduated from Yakima Valley College. His education continued at the University of Washington where he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration then later attended U.W. Law School. James served as staff sergeant in U.S. Air Force from 1958 thru 1964. James joined Allstate Insurance Company in 1964 and retired in 1996 with several honors and awards. James had many interests, such as working at KIT Radio in Yakima as talk and sports host. In 2000 he worked with the Yakima Herald as a contributor dealing with the 1940's and 50's. He collaborated with folks to produce a local TV pollical talk show "The other Side". James worked as a "mystery shopper" and the USPS along with working part time as a U.S. Census Bureau as a field rep. He was also heavily involved with YMCA , Grid Kids, and Indian Guides. Also, Smile Savers, AARP driving instructor, YMCA racquetball, and organized and played softball on several teams in Yakima with many more interests not listed. James is survived by wife Neta Winkenwerder, daughter Elizabeth Hembree, sons James Winkenwerder and John Winkenwerder. Steps sons Jack Shaw and Chuck Shaw, stepdaughters Brenda Wilbur and Eileen Rowland with several grandkids and great grandkids. James is preceded in death by parents Lawrence and Grace Winkenwerder, brothers Charles and Robert Winkenwerder, sister Marjorie (Reinecke) Winkenwerder. Step grandchildren Cory Rowland and Michelle (Shaw) Worby. SERVICES will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 2 pm. Donations accepted to the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at: www.brook