James “Jim” Winstonwas born on April 9, 1923 in Cleveland, MS, to Mary Scott Winston and William Winston. Shortly after his birth, the family consisting of �ve children and his parents moved to St. Louis, MO, residing in Webster Groves. Jim grew up with a very strong work ethic that he learned from his father who owned a landscaping business. Around the age of 15, due to family issues, Jim hopped on his bike and road it all the way to Flint, MI, where he lived with his best friend until he enlisted in the Army in 1943. He had a very interesting experience as a driver for a ” Full Bird” Colonel participating in World War II’s European Theater. He rose to the rank of Corporal and was honorably discharged, receiving three Bronze Stars, The Good Conduct Medal, and the Victory Ribbon.

In 1947, Jim Winston married the love of his life, lovely Norma Jean Mosby. Unto this union came nine children; Marcella, Janet, Jacques, Randy, Jacqueline, Bill, Zynn, Victor and John. After the war there was a massive construction boom and Jim went to work with a construction �rm specializing in earthwork. Jim was a very good truck driver but he wanted more for his growing family so he kept nagging the owner of the �rm to teach him how to operate heavy equipment. Finally the owner agreed to teach him, but only after all of his operators went home. Jim was a very quick study and soon he was operating the equipment much better than the union operators and was called upon by his boss to �x some of the messups the operators had made during the day after work.

Unfortunately due to racial prejudice, they would not allow Jim to become a member of the unionized operating engineers, so he and his partner formed Mac-Wins Excavating, specializing in digging swimming pools throughout all of southern California. They were in such demand that they were hired to dig the swimming pools for Liberace, Dinah Shore, Nat King Cole and many others. Liberace’s pool was unique, due to the fact it was in the shape of a piano.

In the spring of 1964, Jim & Norma Winston, made a trek to the beautiful Paci�c Northwest, where they were led to a 40 acre farm owned by a Mr. Clarence Spicer in a place called Battle Ground, Washington. That summer the family moved from their comfortable lifestyle in Monrovia, CA, to the unknown farm life of Battle Ground. Times were hard for Jim as he was accustomed to working year round in California but due to rainy season lasting for at least six months it was very hard for an earthmover to �nd work. Slowly but surely, his reputation as a great equipment operator spread and he was once again in demand.

Having a desire to have all �ve of his sons in business with him, Jacques, his eldest son, and Jim formed Jim Winston & Sons Excavating Contractors and persuaded the other four sons to join in. Jim Winston & Sons were one of the �rst contractors to work on the restoration e�orts after Mt. St. Helens erupted in 1980. The �rm worked on numerous projects throughout California, Oregon, Washington, and received numerous citations and awards, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Minority Contractor of the Year in 1980. Although Jim was honored to receive such a valued award, he always wanted to be known as a great contractor, not as a minority contractor.

Jim loved his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and along with his wife Norma made sure that his family and everyone he came in contact with were aware of the person and the work of Jesus Christ. Jim was very active in several churches throughout his life—Second Baptist Church in Monrovia, CA, Berean Bible Church in Duarte, CA, Cherry Grove Friends Church in Battle Ground, Maranatha Community Church in Portland, OR and his adopted church, Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Inglewood, CA. He worked with several outreach ministries including Fishermen’s Gospel with Rev. George Moore and Voice of Calvary with John Perkins.

Jim loved to hunt and �sh and was blessed to do so throughout the Western States, Canada and Mexico. He also enjoyed spending time with his many friends & family.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 42 years Norma Jean Mosby Winston, his son Jacques Winston and Son William “Bill” Winston.

He leaves behind his wife of 17 years Carmen Garza Winston of Santa Rosalia BCS, Mexico. Daughter, Marcella Robinson of Mt. Pleasant, IA, daughter, Jan Underwood of Phoenix, AZ, son, Robert “Randy” Winston of Los Angeles, CA, daughter, Jacquelyn Bohannon of Vancouver, WA, daughter, Zynn Jones of Seattle, WA, son, Victor Winston of Battle Ground, WA, son, John Winston of Battle Ground, WA, son-in-law, Terry Jones of Seattle, WA, daughters-in-law, Irene Winston of Las Vegas, NV, Shelley Winston of Los Angeles, CA, Becky Winston of Battle Ground, WA, Tracy Winston of Battle Ground, WA, and 30+ grandchildren, 25+ great-grandchildren and countless friends.

“Goodbye you cotton pickers!” was one of his favorite sayings.Jim passed away at his home in Santa Rosalia, BCS, Mexico. The family is planning a celebration of Jim’s life

at a later determined date.

Apri l 91923

~January 14

2012

James “Jim” WinstonJames “Jim” Winston

2012