James Turner Winfrey

Our beloved father, grandfather, and guardian angel, James “Bill” Turner Winfrey went home to be with the Lord March 2, 2016 at the age of 93. Bill was born February 17, 1923 to Nina Hudnall Winfrey and John Turner Winfrey in Miami Globe, AZ. He had one older brother, Cary Porter Winfrey.

Throughout his adolescent years, Bill spent much of his time on a ranch where he learned to tend for and love horses. Bill possessed a resounding passion to learn and was an excellent student in school. At the age of 15 his father became gravely ill and passed away, prompting Bill to make the difficult decision to quit school and go to work at his Uncle’s race track in New York. His time working at the track furthered his lifetime affinity for horses and the love of animals.

At age 16, he began a job working for McCory Dept. Store, and by age 17 was transferred to Bristol, PA to become the assistant manager. It was that fateful move where he met the love of his life, Beverly Ann Belles.

Upon the breakout of war, he bravely enlisted to serve in the Coast Guards. While on leave from the war, Bill and Beverly married. After the war ended, Bill and Bev moved to California in 1945 where they settled in Ventura and had three children.

At that time, Bill bought and operated a second hand store on Ventura’s Main Street for seven years. He then moved on to work for Ventura Edison Company beginning with landscaping substations, before moving on to the Payroll Department, and eventually becoming the head of the department. After 35 years of dedicated service, Bill retired from Edison to focus on his family and other passions.

Bill had an eye for design and beauty which was evident in walks through his immaculately landscaped yard and vibrant gardens. He also had a keen interest for drawing and oil painting, which he continued creating well into his final years.

Throughout his life, Bill’s greatest joy was sharing the Gospel and rejoicing in the word with others. He taught Sunday school for many years, preaching the word as an avid story teller. His gift was that of weaving vivid tales of scripture to the delight of his students, children, and grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife, Beverly. He is survived by his daughters, Melody Aldrich and June Connick; son, Robert Winfrey; grandchildren, Glen (Kim) Sheeler, Eric (Andreya) Sheeler, James Aldrich, Jason (Sara) Aldrich, AnneMaree Connick, Russell (Bethany) Connick and David Winfrey; and his great grandson, Elijah Connick.

The family owes tremendous thanks of gratitude to Sonia, Silvana, Marisa, Vicky and Jennifer for the loving care and devotion in his final days. We would also like to thank Livingston Memorial Hospice and the sisters from Servants of Mary.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm, at the Charles Carroll Funeral Home, 15 Teloma Drive, in Ventura. Memorial Services will also be held at Charles Carroll Funeral Home on Thursday, March 10, 2016, at 10:00 A.M. Interment will immediately follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com