I lust learned of Jim's passing today, June 29, 2025. I've been trying to reach him by phone and text but got no response. I knew something was amiss. He was a FINE musician who was always full of energy and enthusiasm. He did so many wonderful things in this world; music, fatherhood, emergency HAM operator, . He was a long time friend and colleague. I'm sorry he's gone. My condolences to his family and friends. I'll miss catching up with him. He was one of the good guys.

Jim embodied the best in humanity, patient, kind, and always willing to put others before himself. Jim's first impact and lasting impression on me was when I was a younger educator at Lovett. 

On my way to the parking deck he would be waiting on the bench for Sue to finish up her tutorials. My first thought was to just sit by to keep him company while he waited. The more I talked to Jim the more I appreciated our shared interest in modern technology and also learned more about his adventures.

The world is less bright without Jim, but Jim's life has left memories and brightness in those who knew him.  I will never forget the patience, kindness, and adventures that he shared with me along with the adventures chasing weather balloons.  

Thank you Sue and family for sharing Jim with us.

Our church members enjoyed the beautiful music that James shared with us every Sunday. How blessed we were to have him as part of our service. The heavens are filled with his beautiful music now and the blessings keep on sharing with our highest power 
Thank you James

Jim Wingate brought joy into many lives – singers he conducted in choirs, congregations he led in music, audiences for which he performed, young people he encouraged in their studies, and colleagues he befriended at work.

As organist and choirmaster at Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, and later in Brooklyn Heights at First Presbyterian Church, Jim welcomed different talent generously and intelligently – arranging those who could read and sing music well, behind those who only sang well, and both of these behind the rest, so that they could hear one another well and make of the whole something more than the sum of its parts.  Roman Catholics, Episcopalians, Evangelicals, Baptists, Jews – even Presbyterians – joyfully volunteered to sing under Jim in these two church choirs.

As a fix-it fiend Jim threw himself into work on musical instruments – climbing inside the magnificent 1910 Allen organ on Lafayette Avenue in Brooklyn to repair dusty pipes, building from scratch a harpsichord in his nearby home, and even installing there his own pipe organ.

At Packer Collegiate Institute in Brooklyn Jim’s teaching – like that of his wife Susan – inspired students and faculty alike.  So did his organ performances.  Several decades later there are still those in Brooklyn who hear a Mozart or Faure Requiem and quietly voice their parts in passages they learned because of Jim.  

When he and Susan moved later to the Lovett School in Atlanta, students and staff learned of Jim’s fascination with HAM radio.  During the World Trade Center disaster at the beginning of the 2001 school year they sent him to New York to help for one week with emergency communications.  This was a tragic homecoming, but Jim characteristically threw himself into it.

A former colleague at Packer Collegiate on learning of his death remarked simply, “Jim was a lovely person.”  

Jim’s death brings us sorrow.  Our memory of him brings us joy.

My sincere condolences to Jim's family. I remember his kindness and his smile.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Jim for fifteen years since he joined the Atlanta Concert Band on March 14, 2010. He played the French horn and I play the clarinet. I saw him at our weekly band rehearsals in the social hall of the Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church. We were both members of the Atlanta Concert Band Board for several years.

Congregation B'nai Torah, down the street from Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church, underwent major reconstruction about eleven years ago. The synagogue's social hall was unusable for a few months that summer.  My Israeli folk dance group, MacholAtlanta,  dances weekly in the synagogue's social hall.  We needed to find a gym or a social hall with a wooden floor for a few months.  I mentioned our problem to Jim and that the synagogue and the church had a special relationship.  

At that time, Jim was the organist at Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church.  He volunteered to practice on the church's organ on Wednesday nights that summer so he could so he could unlock and lock the gym doors for us.  

 May his memory be a blessing.

Every contact with Jim was a joy. His sharing of musical gifts at Lovett, his stories of Ham Radio adventures, his animal stories of rescues  and most of all his love of his family are memories I treasure. I'll miss seeing his posts but his love of life will always remain in my memory.  Susan and Lizzy keep his spirit going.

So many of us, for so long, were blessed by Jim’s patience and expertise as he guided us through Lovett’s ever evolving technological world.  To know him was to enjoy his company— a calming presence in our otherwise hurried academic lives.
Mahalo nui loa (Thank You) Jim.
Aloha Pumehana,
Dr. Fred and Maria Rawe

Tom and Sharon, old friends and Brooklyn neighbors, have so many memories of Jim that it is hard to select just one. We’ll always remember his  spirit and musicianship while leading the music program at our local church. He and Barbara built a community, camping together, singing together and dining together for many years. He built a harpsichord for the church; he built an organ in his brownstone parlor! And after he moved to Georgia, when New York needed him after 911, he drove up with his ham equipment to help. He was loved and will be missed and remembered. Our sympathies go out to Susan, Jennifer, James, John, and Lizzie, as well as all the grandchildren. Rest in peace, Jim.

Both Jim and Sue were superb teachers and wonderful colleagues of mine at Lovett for many years.  Jim was patient, kind, humble and, of course, talented in many ways.  He certainly helped me numerous times with technology problems I never could have resolved by myself.  I have many memories of Jim playing music at upper school chapel services.  Chris and I send our sincere condolences to Sue and her entire family.

I met Jim through the  Atlanta Concert Band.  He was the kindest and most interesting man in the world and will be sorely missed.  He positively impacted everyone he can in contact with both his words and actions.  The world is dimmer but heaven is brighter.  May the family find comfort in knowing how well he was loved and held in high esteem.

Sending my deepest condolences to Sue, Lizzy, and the rest of Jim's family. As the Director of Academic Technology, Jim was largely responsible for bringing me to Lovett decades ago, and my move to Atlanta changed my life and career trajectory. Jim was an incredible educator and mentor, and I'll always be grateful for his trust, advice, and support. No matter the circumstances, Jim kept the faith and always saw the best in people. He was patient, kind, and funny! He enjoyed sharing his many interests and talents with his students. Whether in computer science classes, robotics, or the Ham radio club, he authentically connected with students, made them laugh, and inspired them to pursue their own passions. As we say farewell to this wonderful human being, know that his influence will continue through the multitudes of people whose lives he touched. The world has lost one of its best.

What a truly lovely and gentle man Jim was. He exuded peace and kindness. He was endlessly patient with all of us at Lovett as we tried to keep pace with his versatile and agile mind. He and Susan added so much to Lovett over the years they served the community in their varied and important roles. 

It was an honor to cross paths with Jim. What a rich and memorable life he led.

Jim was my first “real” organ and overall music teacher. While I was studying at Pratt, I would walk to Lafayette Presbyterian church in the mid 70s for practice time and lessons. I made so much progress with Jim that he encouraged me to ask for an independent study at Pratt to do research on Bach’s organ chorales and play a recital in my senior year. Somehow he helped me convince my college advisors that it was a good idea. It was an amazing time for me.
When I and a few other Pratt students joined the Brooklyn Contemporary Chorus, Jim agreed to host us for concerts at the church. I also was able to invite my dad and brother to join me in singing at one of Jim’s concerts, where he played a very difficult organ reduction of the score and conducted from the console.
Amazingly, Jim never charged me a dime for all of his efforts with me.
I was so happy to find him on facebook a few years ago. I connected him with my buddy Scott who was hoping to move to Atlanta to take the music director job at All Saints’. Scott told me that Jim was the main person that convinced him to take the job.
Jim, you breathe music (and ham radios), help others beyond expectations, and will be missed. ❤️

James Wingate was a remarkable educator, mentor, and leader whose influence shaped the lives of so many, including my own. He had an extraordinary gift for recognizing potential in others—even before they saw it in themselves. As an administrator and mentor, he fostered confidence, inspired excellence, and encouraged a growth mindset in every teacher and student he worked with.

James’s belief in the power of education was unwavering. His kindness, wisdom, and guidance left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know him. His legacy lives on in the countless educators and students whose lives he touched.

Rest in peace, James. Your impact will never be forgotten. Cynthia Reneau

Jim was one of the first people to help me when I arrived at Lovett. His kindness to me and his patience while I desperately tried to catch up with computer skills meant the world to me.
Jim was an amazing listener who was willing to give of his expertise and his guidance whenever I called upon him. Dear Susan and Lizzy, there aren’t enough words to tell you how much love and sympathy I send your way. (And more than a few Catholic Rosaries!)
Ann Swartz

He made my time at Packer enjoyable. Always looked forward to hearing him play the organ in chapel. RIP

I did not know Mr. Wingate, but I know his daughter Lizzy. Through her actions and kindness, and through her words of her father, it is obvious the love that is in this family. My heart breaks for you all, but I know the love and support you all have now will carry you far. The memories will live on. His love will continue to surround you all.

I have known Jim for over 10 years through his hobby of Ham Radio.  Over the years I have heard his warm kind voice so many times over the radio.  He had that pleasant voice that I will always remember. Really going to miss him.  My thoughts and prayers for his family.
Jere Couch

We enjoyed Jim’s musical abilities and prowess upon arriving at Northminster Presbyterian Church. His love of music was evident as he continued to uplift us through his music from home during COVID when we were all worshiping online. What a pleasure to have known him for a short period of his amazing life at NPC. He is probably providing joy in heaven now.

Dear Beloved Family of Jim, it was my great honor to get to know Jim.  I enjoyed my conversations with him. The way he delighted in family will remain a sweet memory.  I enjoyed hearing him play music - certainly he was a gifted musician.  I believe his memory will live on through the many lives he touched.  May his memory be filled with light and love.

I am so glad  I had the opportunity to meet such a great man. Getting to hear him play the bag pipes will be a memory I hold onto forever. Love you all sending lots of hugs and prayers.

Jim Wingate was for many years the organist at my church, Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian in Brooklyn, New York. He was a beloved friend and talented musician. Sincere sympathies to his family and those who loved him.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

James Margel Wingate

22 février 1939 – 1 mars 2025

H.M. Patterson & Son-Canton Hill Chapel

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