"Dad was one honest man, and he was so passive most of the time. I?m so happy that I inherited his sarcasm. My sister, and I always thought we were cool when dad would let us ride in the bed of the truck. I remember when we would go get sno cones, and put the tailgate down, and eat them. When we would drive through the ledges going fast through the water ways to see what kind of splash we would make. I also remember going to a bunch of cookout/bonfires with him to set off fireworks. One time he took us out in the middle of nowhere to set them off, and have bottle rockets fly everywhere. Snowmobiling, and four wheeling were always a huge hit with dad. He taught me how to drive along with my grandfather. Dad.. I love, and miss you so much. Keep flying with us. "
In loving memory of
James Lee "Big Jim" Winter
April 29, 1966 - May 22, 2022
James L. "Big Jim" Winter, 56, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Sunday morning, May 22, 2022, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.
A celebration of "Big Jim's" life is pending and will be announced at a later date. At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.
James Lee Winter was born on April 29, 1966 in Blue Earth, Minnesota to Lawrence Lee and Carmen Rae (Egesdal) Winter. He grew up in Clear Lake, Iowa and graduated from Clear Lake High School. He married Christi Craig-Bryson on March 4, 2017 in Boone, Iowa.
James was an engineer with the railroad and first worked for Northwestern Railroad in Boone, Iowa, and then transferred to Union Pacific Railroad in Clinton, Iowa. He had lived in Maquoketa since 2018.
"Big Jim" was a typical guy who enjoyed collecting model trains and was a great storyteller about the railroad. He lived a simple lifestyle with his family as his top priority. He also loved his Minnesota Vikings. Additionally, he enjoyed the outdoors, and being with his friends.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Christi Winter of Maquoketa, IA; children, Sarah (Derek) Eggers of Lancaster, WI, and Elizabeth (Daweyn) Albertsen of Toledo, IA; stepchildren, Breanna Bryson of Des Moines, IA, and Julissa Bryson of Maquoketa, IA; his mother, Carmen Winter of Chatfield, MN; sister, Kim Donahoe of Chatfield, MN; and 8 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Lawrence Winter.
The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family. Online Condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.
Tributes
"Jim was a really good guy, I met him on the railroad and you had to love him from the first day you met him. To Jim's family I am so sorry. Jim was a good railroader and well liked by everyone, he will be missed."
"I so very sorry to hear the news of Jamie. He was way too young. Prayers are with Carmen, Kim and his wife and family. "
"Dad was kind, sweet and most of all genuine. I remember the days when he would take Sarah and I cruising on the outskirts of town in his trail blazer jamming out to classic rock/ metal music, along with some Johnny Cash. He would take us to the rail yard, so he could check on some things, for work purposes. He would make us wait in the truck until he gave us the OK to come in and let us meet his work family. He loved his job and everyone he worked with; he was good about calling us and letting us know when he would be coming into town, so we could go to the railroad tracks and wave to him while he came back from Fremont, NE. When we would be making a trip to MN to go see family, he would tell us to go to bed at a certain time and then when it was time to wake up and go, he would barge in yelling "GET UP!" or "LET'S GO!" and if we didn't get up, he would take the mattress and flip us over on the ground. That was just part of his sense of humor. He was the best at making us laugh or irritating us, but that was him! He was DAD! I can't wait till the day, to get another big ol' bear hug. Those were the best. We will always cherish your memories. Thank you for being our Dad, the first man we ever loved. Love you, Dad "
"I'm so sorry to learn of the passing of Jim. Far too young. I worked with him on the RR for decades and he was a Very Good Railroad man, dedicated to his work and a good friend to many. The Depot in the Sky welcomes you, Jim. Rest in Peace. Janet Schultz "
"So sorry to hear this, Kim. My prayers for God?s comforting verses for you and your families. May he rest in peace. Ronna"