James W. Winder

Saco

James W. Winder, 83, of Saco, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away surrounded by his family on November 16, 2025, at the Inn at Atlantic Heights in Saco, Maine.

James was born in Jefferson City, Missouri on June 29, 1942, the son of Willard and Nadine (Edson) Winder. He grew up in St. Joseph, Missouri and graduated from Benton High School, class of 1960.  He then enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1967.

It was during his time in the Air Force when he first met the love of his life, Constance Tirrell.  The young couple married on May 18, 1963, at St. Margaret's Church in Old Orchard Beach, and together they built a family rooted in love, devotion, and faith.   Initially they called West Hartford, Connecticut home, but soon moved to Old Orchard Beach once James received his discharge from the military.

James first went to work for his father-in-law's plumbing company, Phil Tirrell Plumbing.  He later transitioned to Pease Air Force Base where he became certified as a Civil Engineer. James also worked for two years with Johnson Controls but decided to return to Pease to be closer to his family.  He remained with Pease Air Force base until his retirement and was instrumental in the decommissioning of the base in 1991.

Outside of work, James had several interests and hobbies.  He enjoyed playing Golf and was a member of OOB Country Club, and Deep Brook Golf Club. He and Connie were fortunate to travel extensively, and over the years visited every one of the contiguous United States.  They also took a road trip to Missouri twice per year to visit family.  James had a passion for the outdoors and for going hunting in Starks, Maine; where he, his sons, grandsons, and close friends built a cabin.  Dear to his heart was his dog Cody, and any travel was always done with Cody in the backseat.

Above all James cherished his wife, their children and grandchildren.  To him family was paramount. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

James is predeceased by his parents, Willard and Nadine Winder; by his sister, Nancy Frederickson and husband Jack; and by his brother Gary Winder.

He is survived his wife, Constance Winder of 62 years; by his three children, Scott Winder and partner Jess Libby, Stacey Skinsacos and husband Plato, and Stephen Winder and wife Lori; by his seven grandchildren, Caitlyn Winder, Jeffrey Sevigny, Scott Sevigny, Kristen Hussey, Dimitri Skinsacos, Brianna Winder, and Connor Winder; by twelve great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Emmett, Benny, Garrett, Brett, Ellie, Bernice, Benjamin, Emberly, Jameson, Scarlett, and Roman; as well as by many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited for Visiting Hours from 2:00pm to 5:00pm on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, Saco. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in memory of James to Folds of Honor for military families.  Link: https://foldsofhonor.org/

The family wants to thank the staff at The Inn at Atlantic Heights for their kind and loving support, and for going above and beyond for both James and Constance.