James Edward Winkowski passed away and joined his beloved wife Vivian on Saturday March 28,2009 at his home in Greenville. He was born in Bessemer MI on October 8, 1919 and at an early age began working in the copper mines for White Pine Copper Co.
He served with honor in the US Army 82nd Airborne Div as a parachutist during WWII receiving the following honors, American Defense Service Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal and the European African Middle Easter Theater Ribbon with 2 bronze battle stars. He was employed for the Greenville Public Schools for many years. He was a member of the American Legion Post # 101 of Greenville and the VFW Post 3794 of Greenville He married Vivian I. Dexter Palmer on April 27, 1968 and he grievingly missed her after her death on May 14, 2007.
His two brothers, daughter Louise Palmer Schafer and daughter in law Karen Palmer also preceded him in death.
Surviving are his children, James and Jackie Winkowski of Gwinn and Michael and Dorrie Winkowski of Escanaba,Lori and George Wallace of Elko, Nevada, Louis Palmer of Stanton, Anne Powers Burgess of Greenville, Edie and Larry Denevan of Fenwick ,14 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 3 PM from Hurst Funeral Home with Rev. Jerrold T. Jones officiating. Following cremation he will be interred in Riverside Cemetery, Langston. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services. Military Honors will be provided by the American Legion Post # 101 and the VFW Post 3794 of Greenville. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Legion