James A. Winkler

James A. Winkler, 81, of Creston, passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 after a brief illness.

Jim was born Sept. 24, 1939 in Rittman to the late Chester and Marie (Maibach) Winkler and was a 1957 graduate of Norwayne High School.  In 1978 he took over the family business, Winkler Sohio and re-established the business as Winkler Tire which he operated until retiring in 2006.  A resident of the Sterling and Creston area all of his life, Jim was active in the community having been a member of Sterling Fire Dept. and the Creston Moose Lodge.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time at his slice of Heaven on Earth, the cabin in Beallsville where he was a member of the Beallsville Sportman’s Club.

Surviving are his children, Audrey and her husband Bob Kaftan of Seattle, WA and Rodney and his wife Carol Winkler of Wadsworth; his five grandchildren, Ashley and her husband Tucker Flood, Alexa and her husband Kyle Endof-Horn, Nathan and his wife Sarah Winkler, Nicholas Winkler and Abigail Winkler; step-daughters, Cynthia Kason and Sherrie Carano; 4 step-grandchildren; a sister, Susie and her husband Dave McDougal of Creston; a special niece, Tina and husband Jon Allen; his special friend and companion, Sandy Burge; and dear friends, Mary Gunn and Bill Boyd.

He was preceded in death by his wife Dollie of 28 years on July 10, 2017; his parents, a brother, Daryl “Dewey” Winkler and a sister Ann Weahry.

Due to the covid-19 pandemic, a private family celebration of Jim’s life will be held.  Memorial contributions may be made to Canaan Twp. Fire and Rescue, PO Box 2223, Creston, OH 44217 or to Mooseheart International, 155 S International Dr. Mooseheart, IL 60539

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