James F. Winkler

James F. Winkler, Fargo, ND, passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2008 at Rosewood on Broadway, Fargo.James Frederick Winkler was born in White Bear Lake, MN on June 17, 1931 to Leo and Florence Camitsch Winkler. He moved with his parents to Fargo, North Dakota when he was three years old. Jim attended school in Fargo and graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1949. He furthered his education at both NDAC NDSU and Dakota Business College. In June 1948, Jim joined the North Dakota Air National Guard "Happy Hooligans" and was called to active duty with the Air Force in April of 1951, stationed in Iceland until 1953. He re-joined the Air National Guard and in 1954 became a full-time Air Technician. In 1969 he was promoted to Captain. He retired as a full-time Air Technician in 1985, and retired from the Air National Guard in 1990 as Lt. Col after forty-three years of service. Jim married Joan E. Hegle of Lisbon, ND on May 21, 1954 in Fargo, ND, together they had three children.Jim liked to play golf with friends and flying airplanes. He took flying lessons in 1948, receiving his private license in 1955. In 1956, he received his instrument ticket rating. Jim was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church. He was Exalted Ruler of the Fargo Elks Lodge from 1981 – 1982. He was a member of the American Legion and the El Zagal Shrine, serving as Treasurer of the Shrine for five years. He also belonged to the Provost Guard, Shiloh Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Leo. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joan Winkler of Fargo, ND; three daughters, Cheryl Everett Severinson of Reynolds, ND, Debra Corey Hoff of West Fargo, ND, and Kathy Brian Rust of Walcott, ND; one brother, William Lois Winkler of Oklahoma City, OK; three granddaughters, Gina, Jennifer and Kristen and one great-grandson, Jaden. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Fargo Air Museum or the North Dakota Scottish Rite Children's Language Center.