Jimmie Ray Winder

Beloved husband, devoted father, and the best “Papa,” Jimmie Ray Winder passed away peacefully on Holy Saturday April 19, 2025, at the age of 85. A man of deep love, laughter, and service, Jimmie now rejoices in eternal reunion with his siblings Bobby and Mary Evelyn, who passed in childhood, and his brother, Lawrence (Duda) Winder, Jr.

Born on September 22, 1939, in Bay, Arkansas, to Lawrence and Marie Blevins Winder, Jimmie moved with his family to Poplar Bluff, Missouri in 1944. He graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 1958 before proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps from 1959 to 1963, stationed primarily in Okinawa, Japan.

On November 30, 1963, Jimmie married the love of his life, Jeanette Wilkerson of Fisk, Missouri. Their journey took them to California in pursuit of better opportunities, before planting roots in Missouri once again—first in Moscow Mills in 1969, and later in Jackson in 1974.

Jimmie dedicated over three decades to public service with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. He began his career as a Weight Inspector at Troop C and retired in 2000 as the Chief Motor Vehicle Inspector at Troop E. In addition, he served in the United States Army through the Missouri National Guard from 1974 to 1999 retiring as First Sergeant.

A proud Marine through and through, Jimmie was a charter member of the Cpl. Mason O. Yarborough Detachment 1081 of the Marine Corps League beginning in 1999. He was honored as Marine of the Year in 2004 and led the Toys for Tots program for five deeply fulfilling years. His greatest honor, however, may have been his service with the Honor Guard, participating in over 1,500 veteran funerals to pay tribute to those who came before him.

Jimmie cherished his role as a father, joyfully watching his sons David and Mark play baseball, including the magical summer of 1988 when they both took the field together for the Cape Girardeau Capahas. To his grandchildren—and to countless others who came through his home—he was simply “Papa Jimmie,” full of warmth, humor, and playful nicknames. Whether calling kids “jughead” or joking that they “smelled a wolf” after a nap, Jimmie’s light-hearted spirit left an indelible mark.

Jimmie is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Jeanette Winder of Jackson, Mo.; sister (Sis) Judy Church Winder; son, David and Janice Schlegel Winder and their family: daughter Meagan and husband Travis Palmer and daughter Olivia Palmer; son, Matthew Winder and Leah Hecht Winder and children Woods Winder, Crew Winder and Elsie Mae Winder; son, Mark and Kelly Griffith Winder and children Jacqueline Winder, Blaise Winder; and his best dog buddy, Bolt Winder.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at St. Francis Hospital and Providence Home Health and Hospice. Special appreciation goes to Pastor Chris Vaught of Connection Point Church for his spiritual support, and to dear friend Mrs. Susie Harp for her loving care and friendship.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 24th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.  Rev. Chris Vaught will conduct the funeral service at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, at the funeral home. Interment with full military honors will take place at Bloomfield Veterans Cemetery beginning at 2pm.

Memorials are suggested to the Marine Corps League, 2148 Broadway St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

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In life and legacy, Jimmie Ray Winder was a servant, a patriot, a storyteller, and a rock to his family. His jokes, his distinctive “huh?” replies, and the way he wore his cap perched atop his head will be remembered with love, laughter, and gratitude.

Semper Fi.

Marine Corps League - Cape Girardeau
2148 Broadway St., Cape Girardeau MO 63701