James Winton, 93, of Waco, passed away Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at his home.
A gathering of remembrance will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 30, at Lake Shore Funeral Home
James Green (Jim) Winton was born January 28, 1927 in Fernandina, Florida, and spent his early years there and in Mandarin, Florida outside Jacksonville. After suffering the early death of his father, he helped his family weather the Great Depression by taking on a paper route, raising chickens, splicing trawling nets, and working odd jobs for neighbors. He also became the ‘wheels’ for his older brother Charlie, stricken with polio, until Charlie was able to walk on his own. He helped spot German planes and submarines along the Florida coast, and when he turned seventeen enlisted in the Navy during World War 2, serving as a quartermaster (navigation) in the Pacific.
He returned to Florida, took his degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Florida, and when offered a job in Texas, signed up for the next great adventure, driving across country to work for Swift and Company. There he met and successfully wooed the bright and energetic Betty Jo Webb, marrying her in 1952. They were blessed with two lucky children whom he showered with love, teaching them well, and doing his utmost to give them a happy childhood. He took an engineering job at General Tire, where he became known as “Inventin’ Winton” for his creative approach to problem solving. After his brothers in Florida bought rights to Rust Cure, a rust preventative and remover, he set up Win-Chekd, the Texas arm of Tri-Win Products, ultimately taking over Tri-Win and turning his efforts full time to Rust Cure until 2020. He served for decades as scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 15 (later 315 and 415), earning the Silver Beaver award. For many years he was a teacher and a deacon of Calvary Baptist Church. His home was never without at least one young man whom he would mentor into adulthood.
His greatest joy was always in giving. He loved to travel, to have new adventures, and to problem-solve, whether mechanically or through helping others.
Jim Winton was predeceased by his loving wife, Betty; his sister, Margaret; and his brothers, Charles, Marion and William.
He is survived by his daughter, Donna Jae Winton; his son, James Robert Winton and wife, Debbie; his granddaughters, Ashley Winton Broom and husband, Dustin, Brooke Winton Chapman and husband, Clay; and great-granddaughters, Hallie Cate Broom, Livvy James Broom and Jolie Grace Broom.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital and to Friends for Life of Waco are appreciated.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
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