James A. Winkler Sr.

James (Jim) Anton Winkler, Sr. beloved and respected husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend….passed away on Saturday May 21 at 8:30 PM from complications from surgery for Stage 4 Liver Cancer…..thought he put up a gallant fight and with all his loving family members by his side he gave up his soul and spirit to our Lord…and now may he rest in peace.

James was born in Schulenburg, Texas on October 13, 1936 , He is preceded in death by his parents Otto and Hulda Winkler and his grandson Jonathan Sterling Winkler.

James ‘s siblings were his sister Bernice, married to Ervin Sr, his brothers Milton and his wife Patsy , Clarence and his wife Margie , and Daniel and his wife Nancy.

Jim graduated from Schulenburg High School in 1954…where he was in the FFA Club…Shorthorn FFA…. He was awarded the Lone Star Farmer Award for Agriculture for showing his Reserve Champion Lamb at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo…

After graduation he enrolled in San Jacinto College in Houston for a trade career. He was employed by Barber Mechanical Contractors. After 5 years he was promoted to Journeyman Foreman…being the youngest man to hold this position. He worked for Barber Mechanical Contractors for 18 years. In 1959 he enrolled at the University of Houston working towards a B.A Degree.

In 1972 he started a new venture and exciting career in sales working as a self-employed Furniture Manufacturers Representative…covering the states of Texas. Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Oklahoma….After several years he opened two Wholesale Furniture Showrooms, one in the Dallas World Trade Center and one in the Houston Resource Center

He invested in real estate owning a 60 unit apartment complex and as a avid contractor and builder he built his dream home a three story vacation home in Livingston, Texas.

Jim was married to Connie Caffo Winkler his wife of 54 years……he has an older daughter, Sandra D. Winkler, two loving sons, Jim A. Winkler, Jr…wife Karen….granddaughter Liza, and grandson Trevor, his other son was John Raymond Winkler…wife Tammy….grandson Sterling and granddaughter Whitney…. he was so proud of his family who gave him such joy, happiness and a reason for living. James Sr is survived by numerous family members, and friends.

He was a devoted family man with numerous interests…. fishing, building, gardening..RV motor home traveling and occasional cruises….

Jims family would like for you to join them at his visitation on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 from 5-8 P.M. at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home. A service of celebration will be Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 12:30 P.M. in the chapel of Memorial Oaks Funeral Home. Concluding services Jim will be laid to rest at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.

Contributions in memory of James Anton Winkler, Sr may be made to the Foundation for the Retarded or to Cullen Residence Hall or to your choice of charity.