Jim Winch, born March 11, 1947, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him most. A man of quiet strength and unwavering dedication, he leaves behind a legacy of resilience, compassion, and purpose.

Born into a life and time that knew hardship, Jim learned early on the value of perseverance. Though the road was not always easy, he met every challenge head-on with grit, determination, and a deep belief in doing what was right. Over the years, he not only overcame adversity—he rose above it, becoming a source of strength and support for others who faced similar struggles.

Jim's grandfather instilled a deep and lifelong love of horses. One of Jim's first jobs was breaking ponies to ride, for the new home owners of the Val-E-View subdivision. This led to his gaming horses, his apprenticeship and mastery of horseshoeing, and blacksmithing to create corrective shoes which turned into specialty blacksmithing for movie sets. After retirement it was the Illinois State Fairgrounds where he devoted countless hours to horse shows, rodeos and the preservation of fairgrounds history.  Jim always had his own horses and since his accident in 1981, the Clydesdales were his love.  He enjoyed the babies, loved to show in the coliseum, and was proud to show that Clydesdales could plow. He believed in honoring the past and took great pride in sharing that with future generations.

His sense of duty extended beyond his family and community. Jim was an active and proud member of the Masonic Lodge #700 as well as the Ansar Shrine, serving with honor and humility. He was always the first to show up to volunteer his time or lend a helping hand and always the last to leave.

Hard work was never something he walked away from; it was something he embraced. From sunrise to sunset, he gave his all, especially when it came to supporting his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather. His family was the light of his life. He cherished every moment spent with them at home, at the fair, and on family travels that became treasured memories.

To know Jim was to know loyalty, love, and laughter. He had a kind word for everyone, a deep respect for tradition, and a heart that never stopped giving.

He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy lives on in the stories he shared, the lives he touched, and the family he loved so fiercely.

A visitation will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the Illinois State Fairgrounds Coliseum concluding with a Masonic service.  A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 10:00 am at Island Grove Methodist Church in Woodwreath Cemetery, New Berlin, IL.  Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Pleasant Plains Masonic Lodge #700 or the Shriners Children's Hospital.