Winegardner, James Darwin - 1928-2011

CRAM, GESME, MALLOY, MARSH, SWEET, WINEGARDNER

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 10/14/2024 at 10:39:54

James Darwin Winegardner was born on Aug. 1, 1928 in Des Moines, the son of James Elmer and Jeanette Elizabeth Marsh Winegardner. He passed away on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011 at his home near Shenandoah at the age of 83 years, two months and 20 days. James grew up in Des Moines, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1945. He then attended Iowa State University on a football scholarship and played for the Cyclones for one year. He served in the US Army in Korea from 1946 to 1948. He continued his studies at the University of Iowa graduating in 1951. On Jan. 12, 1951 he was united in marriage to Mary Molly Malloy in Iowa City. This union was blessed with three daughters, Frankie, Susie, and Jenny.
Jim worked as the financial officer at Central Surveys for almost 50 years, utilizing the first mainframe computer in Shenandoah. He was also Shenandoah City Treasurer for 30 years. He was a member of the American Legion and Elks Lodge and served on City Council.
Jim had a passion for hunting, fishing, football and golf. He enjoyed many years as an active member of the 22 Club. He refereed high school football games throughout southwest Iowa and was an avid golfer.
Jim's lifelong interest in golf began in grade school when he worked as a caddie at Wakonda Country Club. He enjoyed the game for over 70 years, working as a rules official at many state tournaments and serving as president of the Iowa Golf Association. Above all, he valued the fellowship of many friends, young and old, in Shenandoah and Sun City, Arizona.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Molly Winegardner of Shenandoah; his three daughters, Frankie Winegardner and husband Randy Cram of Clear Lake, Iowa, Susie Winegardner of Omaha, and Jenny Winegardner of Bayfield, Colo.; two grandchildren, Colin Cram and wife Shayna of Washington, D.C., Kelly Cram of Utrecht Netherlands; a sister, Jo Anne Sweet and husband Robert of Mesa, Arizona; brother-in-law Pat Malloy and wife Susie of Marshalltown, Iowa; a nephew David Sweet and wife Marsha of Story City, Iowa; a niece, Barb Gesme and husband Craig of Des Moines; along with many other relatives and friends.
Celebration of life services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, 2011 at the Kirsch Funeral Chapel in Shenandoah with Rev. Rick Sleyster officiating. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery at Shenandoah. Visitation with the family present was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27 at Kirsch Funeral Chapel in Shenandoah. Memorials are suggested to the SMC Hospice or to the donor's choice. To leave online remembrances or condolences with the family, go to www.kirschfuneral.com. The Kirsch Funeral Chapel of Shenandoah was in charge of arrangements.
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Wednesday, October 26, 2011, page 6B