JAMES RUSSELL WINCHESTER

James Russell Winchester, 89, recently of Duluth, passed away March 10, 2013, at his residence at Lakeshore Assisted Living.

He was born to Roy and Joanna (Feit) Winchester on May 31, 1923, in Amery, Wis.

Jim served as a radio operator in the Navy during World War II. He married Eleanor Mogren on Dec. 10, 1949, in St. Paul. They settled in Superior, Wis., where they lived until Jim's retirement from his position as a sales representative for the F.C. Hayer Company. Upon his retirement Jim moved with Eleanor to the home they built up the hill from their cabin on Lake 26, near Danbury, Wis.

Jim was an avid bridge player, achieving the rank of Life Master. He loved jazz and the work of Ernest Hemingway. He enjoyed being a ham radio operator, gardening, tinkering around in his workshop, and simply living on beautiful Lake 26. Late in life he developed a passion for gourmet cooking, preparing wonderful meals for his family to enjoy. When asked his religion his answer was "American."

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, James; his wife, Eleanor; and his sister, Joan Wolfe.

He is survived by his sister, Barbara Edwards of Orlando, Fla.; children Cyd (James) Cheek of Knife River, Minn., David (Beth) Winchester of Duluth; grandchildren Steven Winchester, Andrea (Jade) Ming, Dylan Cheek, and Paul Winchester; great-grandchildren Christopher (Schism), Zachary, and Chase Winchester; Irelan, Peyton Ella, and Ava Ming; nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: 4 p.m. Friday, May 31, 2013 in Peace United Church of Christ, 1111 N. 11th Avenue E., Duluth, MN. A gathering of friends and family will be held one hour prior to the celebration in the church.

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