James J. Winczewski

James John Winczewski was born February 11, 1939 in Little Falls, Minnesota to Sylvia (Mrozek) and Clarence Winczewski. He was brother to Lorraine, Jerome, Oliver, Ralph, Mary, Carol and Patrick. He is survived by his devoted wife of forty-three years, Judith Winczewski; his daughters, Cecelia Cook, Jennifer Clark, and MaryEllen Kowalewski; and his seven grandchildren, Madeleine, Helen, Maximilian, Nicholas, Ronan, Amelia and Silvie.

At the age of five, Jim's family moved to Portland, eventually settling in the Park Rose neighborhood, where he lived until leaving home for college. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1957 and later from Gonzaga University where he received his Bachelors in Business Administration. In 1967 he married Judith Clow and established a home for his family in Beaverton. For over forty years, he worked for US National Bank as a branch and district manager, a corporate loan officer, and a corporate loan assistant vice-president. He was the treasurer for the East Portland Rose Council of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Kiwanis Club. He ran the Knights of Columbus CYO basketball tournament for many years and also coached his daughters’ basketball and softball teams. As an active parishioner of St. Cecilia Catholic Church for forty-three years, he served both as a member of the finance committee and as a lector.

Jim enjoyed following the stock market, buying Ford cars, playing poker, visiting the Oregon Coast, and watching college sports (always rooting for Gonzaga and Notre Dame). But above all, he loved spending time with his large extended family. His happiest times were the large family gatherings where he was surrounded by his children, parents, siblings, nephews and nieces.

Jim taught many life lessons to his family and friends, among which were the value of hard work, the importance of faith, and the love of family. His work ethic was unfailing; he believed in service to others and lived this daily. He valued Catholic education and gave his girls the gift of attending Catholic grade school and high school. Through his example, Jim taught the importance of remaining close to family and being faithful in the face of challenging times.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be Saturday April 16, 2011 at 9:30 followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 5105 SW Franklin Ave., in Beaverton, for James (Jim) Winczewski. Private family burial will be Monday April 18, 2011 at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Portland.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to, Mother and Child Education Center, 1515 NE 41st Ave., Portland, Oregon 97232. 503-249-5801. Or visit www.motherandchild-edu.org

Arrangements under the direction of Pegg, Paxson & Springer Funeral Chapel, Beaverton, OR.