James M. Winters

James M. Winters Petersham – James M. Winters, 55, died Wednesday, May 20, 2015 surrounded by his loving family.      Jim was born in Athol, MA, January 14, 1960, the son of Atwood and Minnie (Vitello) Winters.  He grew up in Athol where he lived most of his life, graduating from Athol High School in 1978 and for the past few years has resided in Petersham.      Jim worked at the family bakery starting as a young teen.  After graduating he worked at Eastern Furniture for a short time, was co-owner of Key Builders with his brother Bruce for many years.  He was a skilled carpenter taking great pride in his work.  Jim was an avid fisherman and hunter, truly enjoying ice fishing and ice hockey, being an avid Bruins fan.  He also enjoyed camping, time with his family, competitive cribbage player, playing tournaments with his brothers, sisters and friends.  He enjoyed many sports while in high school, especially track and field, having been an accomplished pole vaulter and distance runner, enjoyed skiing and winter sports but most especially enjoyed spending time with his sons and grandchildren and will be sadly missed by all.      He leaves three sons, Shawn Winters and Timothy Winters, both of Petersham, Stephen Winters of Orange; five brothers, Charles Winters and his wife Veronica, Brent Winters, Mark Winters and his wife Cindy, Bruce Winters and his wife Susan, all of Athol and Atwood Winters and his wife Bonnie of Santa Rosa, CA; six sisters, Susan Leeman and her husband Joseph, Fern Fregeau and her husband Herbert and Marlene Lawton and her companion Richard Hill, Corlena Plotkin, all of Athol, Charlene Recos and her husband Rand of Orange and Theresa Joly and her husband David of Chicopee.  He also leaves three grandchildren, Connor, Maria and Brycen, his former wife, Coreen (Brooks) Winters, his former in-laws, Arthur and Diane Todd of Weymouth and numerous nieces and nephews.      A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School Street, Athol with the Rev. Fr. Edwin Montana, pastor officiating.  Those attending the mass are asked to go directly to the church.  Burial will follow at Tully Cemetery in Orange and calling hours will be held Friday, May 22, 2015 from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions in Jim’s name may be made to a charity of one’s choice.  For further information or to share a memory with the family go to: www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com.   $(document).ready(function(){ });