Winfield James

Winfield Alan James (Windy) of Oneonta, passed away on July 7, 2011 after a long struggle with COPD at his summer home on Goodyear Lake with his family at his side. He resided in Oneonta in the winter and Goodyear Lake in the summer.

He was born in the town of Franklin, Delaware County, New York on October 24, 1937 to Aubrey and Evelyn (Fleming) James. He went to the Delaware Academy, and graduated in 1956. While in high school, he was an outstanding athlete, excelling in football and wrestling. He was a Staff Sergeant for the NY State Army National Guard. He attended his class reunions which he enjoyed very much. He was an expert diesel truck mechanic in the Oneonta area for over 40 years. When he retired from being a mechanic, he drove bus for Eastern Travel for 8 years.

He was a natural athlete, participating in many sports: boating, fishing, golfing and hunting. He could drive anything with wheels, but his first love for transportation was flying. He had his private pilot’s license for over 30 years. His captivating story-telling and unique sense of humor was well-known. He loved summers on the lake, where he and Rosalie would take boat rides nearly every day, and he loved riding his lawn mower to mow lawns. He was gifted with his carpentry skills – liked working with wood, blacksmithing and welding.

He enjoyed his family and having picnics every summer. He is survived by his wife, Rosalie of 51 years, who he married on August 29, 1959 in Oneonta; and 3 children Meri-K James Chase and her significant other, Gary Shineman, Dave James and his significant other, Alison Le Pinnet, Eric James and his wife, Sherry; 8 grandchildren, Sheri Ann, Alan James, Cory Daniel, Mannon Joan, Rachel Lee, Orrin David, Zane Alexander and Zoe Margaret. The latest little angel – great granddaughter, Chloe Madison was the apple of his eye. His foster-sister, Maria McAdams; sisters-in-law, Sandra James, Betty Baker and Anna Pearson; brother-in-law, George Salisbury, Jr. and many nieces, nephews, cousins and his best friends, Max and Joyce Zimmermann, Charles and Sandy Loucks and Lana Alkes. Windy was blessed with many relatives and friends and special neighbors at Goodyear Lake.

At this time, we would like to thank the Catskill Area Hospice for all they have done for our family – the nurses, aides and Dr. Fox for their outstanding care for the past 2 years.

Any contributions may be made in Windy’s memory to the Catskill Area Hospice, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Friends may call on Sunday, July10, 2011 from 2 to 5 pm at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta at which time the family will be in attendance.

A memorial service will be held at 1 pm at the West Delhi Presbyterian Church, West Delhi on Monday, July 11, 2011. Deb Fleming will be the commissioned lay pastor for Windy’s service.