HAMPDEN and SUMMERFIELD, Fla. – James L. Winchester, 69, passed away Dec. 21, 2005, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born in Brewer, Aug. 21, 1936, and was the son of Hollis and Helen (Sherman) Winchester. He graduated from Brewer High School in 1954 and began working as an automechanic for Crosby Buick in Brewer, quickly acquiring a reputation as one of “the best mechanics in town.” At the same time, he began his military career as an airman with the Maine Air National Guard. He owned and operated a restaurant in Brewer until he moved to Hartford, Conn., to attend The Ward School of Electronics. While attending this school, he also worked in the jet engine division of Pratt and Whitney until graduating in 1962, as an engineering technician. He returned to Maine and rejoined the Maine Air National Guard as a special weapons technician, working on the F-89J at Dow Air Force Base. Over the years, as the guard unit converted aircraft, he changed career paths moving from special weapons technician to radar technician (F-101) to in-flight refueling specialist (Boom Operator, KC-135). His career included many highlights, the William Tell Competitions at Tyndal A.F.B, activation during Desert Storm, and many unforgettable missions around the world. He retired as a chief master sergeant in 1995 with 42 years of service. Jim loved sports. He enjoyed fishing at Brewer Lake as a kid and played basketball through his high school years. He played power volleyball at the Y.M.C.A. and traveled throughout New England playing in tournaments. He enjoyed watching the Red Sox, Patriots and New York Giants. He developed a life-long passion for the game of golf in the early 1960’s. Jim was one of the early members of Pine Hill Golf Club in Brewer and developed into one of the areas top amateur players. He was instrumental in organizing the Pine Hill Twilight League and played in it for over 30 years. He also participated in 25 straight Paul Bunyan Tournaments and countless M.S.G.A. and E.M.S.G.A. events. Jim played daily at Pine Hill in the summer and Florida in the winter. He truly loved the game, the competition it created, and the special friendships it provided him over the years. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Miner-Winchester of Hampden and Summerfield, Fla.; one son from his first wife, Delia (Langan) Cates, Lon Winchester and his wife, Janet, of Etna; two daughters and one son from his second wife, the late Beverly (Montminy) Winchester, Jenny Williams and her husband, Stephen, Jess Winchester and wife, Jennifer, both of Bangor, Jill Andrusko of Atlanta, Ga.; one stepson and stepdaughter, Keith Miner of San Francisco, Calif., and Ellen Miner-Stephenson and her husband, Tim Stephenson, both of Montara, Calif.; four sisters, Bette Ellet of Caseyville, Ill., Shirley and husband, Peter Dooey, of Brewer, Linda and husband, Richard Merrill, of Orrington, Deborah and husband, Donald Rowe, of Holden; one brother, Philip and wife, Janice Winchester, of Orland; one sister-in-law, Anne Winchester of Hampden; seven grandchildren, Elle, Cal, and Lanny Winchester, Morgan Williams, Lauren Andrusko, and Angela and Cliff Winchester; two step-grandchildren, Alec and Sadie Allain; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Edward Winchester. Jim’s family and friends will celebrate his life with a springtime memorial service and interment in North Orrington Cemetery, Orrington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to James L. Winchester Memorial Golf Scholarship, care of Vance B. Gray Jr., 128 Broadway, Bangor ME 04401.