James Winningham

James Franklin “Pig” Winningham, 88, passed from this life on Monday, 27 June 2022, in Italy, Texas, after a long illness.  He was born 16 January 1934 in Ferris, Texas, to Dewey May Winningham and Eva Lorene (Ranton) Winningham.  He graduated from Waxahachie High School in 1952.

On 15 May 1953, he married the former Arlene Carroll of Forreston.  They made their home in and around Ellis County for 69 years, except for a year spent in Harrison, Arkansas, as a supervisor for Flexsteel.  Here he learned the art of woodworking and furniture construction and over the years made many pieces of furniture cherished by the family.  His creativity expanded to home construction and not only did he build houses as a profession, but built several homes for his family.

He could build anything from start to finish.  He drew the blueprints, did the concrete work, framed, roofed, designed and built the fancy woodwork in addition to doing the plumbing and electricity.

He ended his working career as a self-employed farmer where he and Arlene were known for their productive cotton crops in the Nash area.  In addition, he was a good mechanic and could fix just about anything.

He enjoyed collecting anything from antique hand tools to tractors, was the family historian, and enjoyed history of all kinds. He took pleasure in road-tripping, having traveled to all but four states, including visiting Canada and Mexico.

He was a member of the Waxahachie Odd Fellows Lodge, South Prong Baptist Church, and a former board member with the Nash-Forreston Water Supply.

James is survived by his wife of 69 years Arlene Winningham of Nash; daughters Sharan Farmer and husband Gary of Bardwell, Evalyn Winningham of Nash, Denise Huddleston and husband Bill of Nash, and Jamie McLemore and husband Charles of Maypearl; grandchildren Chance Farmer and wife JoAnn, Brooke Farmer, Kylar King, Kayce King, and Karsyn King; five great-grandchildren Hazel King and Kayanna, JohnTee, Clancy, and Brett Farmer; brothers-in-law Bill Boyd of Richmond and John Bridges of Waxahachie; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, son James Brian Winningham, brothers Jack Winningham and Bill Winningham, and sisters Sue Davis and Annetta Killman.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Project or to a charity of your choice.