James "Wink" E. Winkelman

James E. “Wink” Winkelman, a true gentleman, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home in Olympia, Washington on Friday, February 3, 2017 at the age of 86. A beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, he will be remembered mostly for his incredible kindness and the ability to affect another’s life with his charismatic smile and humor. James was born to Edward and Esther Winkelman on June 14, 1930, in Centralia, Washington. He grew up in Olympia and graduated OHS in 1948. James attended Central Washington University from 1948 to 1951 and went on to graduate San Jose State College in 1958. He served in the US Navy from 1951 to 1955, where he met the love of his life Lois “Pill” Stevens at the USMCAS, El Toro, California. Wink and Pill married on January 23, 1954 in Santa Ana, California. The couple lived in El Toro, California for 12 years. In 1965, the couple and family moved to Olympia, where they have resided ever since. Wink worked full time for Bonneville Power, owned a laundromat on the east side, and built the family home in Olympia. He retired from BPA in 1990. He played baseball throughout his younger days, ending that passion playing for the USMCAS El Toro (Marine) team in 1954. He was a dedicated Seattle Mariners fan, loved to play golf, and was an overall sports enthusiast. As a talented wood-worker, he not only built his homes but furniture as well. His nights and weekends were spent working his land, cutting down trees and chopping firewood. He loved burning brush and enjoyed the smell of a fresh fire in the air. During his retirement, he and his wife ran “Winkelworld Noble Fir Tree Farm” where they both enjoyed the many families from year to year coming to retrieve a family tree and enjoy the farm. He was also a lifetime member of the Elks. Wink is survived by his wife Lois “Pill,” son, Guy Winkelman, and daughter, Joy Polhemus, all of Olympia, and his three grandchildren, Grant Polhemus of Bellevue, Washington, Zachary Winkelman of Olympia, and Tara Polhemus of New York City, New York; nephews, Richard Winkelman of Olympia, David, Paul and Steve McMurchie of California. Please leave memories of Wink or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.