James Winnigham

James Donald Winningham, age 61, of Lamar, passed away Sunday, October 4, 2009, at St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Joplin.        Jim was born October 19, 1947, in Lamar, one of the five children of James E. and Helen (Davis) Winningham.  He graduated from Lamar High School in 1965 and served in the U.S. Army.  Jim had worked as a telecommunications engineer for Horton Engineering, Finley Engineering, and SMS.  Throughout the years he had been a member of Lamar Elks Lodge, Lamar Eagles Club, and V.F.W. Post 3691.        Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Anthony & Dina Winningham, Oronogo, Missouri; two daughters, Andrea Meyers, Joplin and Tricia Leivan, Nevada; three step-children, Missy Lemmons, Liberal, Crystal Marsden, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Travis Cartwright, Cherry Vale, Kansas; a brother, Jack & wife Barbara Winningham, Lamar; two sisters, Kay Winningham, Lamar, and Maxine & husband Jerry Bruffey, Joplin; five grandchildren, Samantha, Sydnea, Korbyn, Jeordan and Jax; and several step-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ricky Winningham.        A graveside funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 8th at Memory Gardens Cemetery with military honors conducted by V.F.W. Post 3691.        Memorial contributions are suggested to the Lamar Elks Lodge in care of Daniel Funeral Home.