James Allen Winkelmann passed away peacefully August 22 following a series of strokes. He was born Feb. 11, 1945 to Lee and Valrea Winkelmann in St. Louis. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Paulette (Polly) Winkelmann (nee Petri), his mother Valrea Weber and his son Christopher Winkelmann (Michelle), along with grandchildren Sara LeeAnn Winkelmann and Lydia Eleanor Tan. He will be dearly missed by stepdaughters Rachel Pina (Nick) and Ashley Rarick. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Carol Ann Winkelmann, father Lee, sister Glenda Marsh and brother Ronald Winkelmann. He was a loving Uncle, and friend to many.
A 1963 graduate of O”Fallon Technical High School, Jim earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri in 1968. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War.
Upon leaving the service, Jim became the third generation to join Schultz Door, a family run business selling and servicing commercial doors and hardware. He was passionate about his work and after selling the family business to a larger firm, he continued to work in the commercial door business in various capacities until retiring just last year.
Jim loved singing and through the years did solos in several area churches. Musical theater was a special interest and as Chris was growing up, the family often bought season tickets to the Municipal Opera. A movie lover as well, Jim always preferred seeing movies on the big screen in a real theater, while sharing a box of Good and Plenty candy with his wife Polly.
Jim took great pleasure in entertaining and was a meticulous host. He was never happier than when planning Christmas parties or picnics for his employees or grilling for friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Parkway United Church of Christ memorial fund or the American Stroke Association.
SERVICES: Funeral service at Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois Rd., Wednesday, August 31, 11:30 am. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Visitation Tuesday, 4:00pm to 8:00 pm.
We have known Jim and Polly for more than 27 years, and Lura attended their wedding. We enjoyed Jim’s company during our many times together. He was a warm, thoughtful, and kind person. We will miss him very much. Our sympathies and heartfelt wishes go out to Polly and all the members of his family.
Jack and I will miss Jim and our Sunday excursions to various landmarks in St Louis. Polly and Jim always seemed to find the most interesting places to visit and always finding a restaurant where Jim and Annette could have fried chicken.
Blessings and Prayers, Polly, to you and your family. Now he is with Glenda and Charlie. Thinking of you!
Polly, I am so sorry to read of Jim’s passing in Kevin’s email (that I still receive). You were a very special couple and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I do not have your current address so will use this in hopes that you will get it.
Mary Pederson
Seattle
After designing Parkway UCC, I was delighted to learn that he had joined the choir here. I had worked with and befriended him on many school projects and became friends. We eventually would both become soloists in our church, but regret not having sung together. That will have to wait now for our heavenly realm. God’s peace.