Born April 21, 1948 in Kitchener, he was educated at St. Mary’s and St. Jerome’s, St. Michael’s College School Toronto, Notre Dame of Canada, and University of St. Michael’s College postgraduate Honours English.
James was predeceased by his parents the Hon. John Joseph and Helen Frances (Delaney) Wintermeyer; step-mother Elizabeth (Lang) Wintermeyer; infant brother John J. Wintermeyer; and dear sister Judith Delaney (Wintermeyer) Dona. James is survived by his brother-in-law Esertino Dona of Kitchener, and family Caroline Dona and daughter Mia Pinnock; Jonathan (Jelena) Dona and children Alexander and Theodore; his sister Mary Ellen (Michael) Horgan of Toronto, and family Helen (Ross) Servick and children Delaney, Rocket and Beata; Deirdre (Steve) MacLeod and children Duncan and Helen; his brother John J. (Dawna) Wintermeyer of Ottawa, and family John (Willemijn), Delaney (Brittany) and Gretchen Wintermeyer; his sister Gretchen Wintermeyer of Toronto, and family Patrick and Michael Shaunessy; and his sister Sarah (Peter) Lang of Kitchener, and family Stephen, Colleen, Jessica and Michael Lang. He is remembered by his Aunt Therese (Wintermeyer) Wiley, and his extended Wintermeyer and Delaney family cousins.
James had a lifelong enthusiasm for books and all music genres, including the bagpipes, and especially the Rock and Roll genius of Lennon and Jagger. He was an avid fan of sports cars and took pride in the power and beauty of his Triumph TR3. He had a special affinity for horseback riding and caring for the family dogs. To these relationships he brought his true spirit of life. Above all, he was caring and giving, never hesitating to help a friend or stranger, and never waning in his love and interest in family. After a long and difficult life with Schizophrenia, James is released, free once again to be purely himself. A private family service will be held at a later date. “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone” (John Lennon). Memorial donations would be greatly appreciated to Hurvitz Brain Sciences or the Mental Health Family Navigation Project, at Sunnybrook Foundation Toronto (416-480-4483).
Please visit James' obituary notice on Facebook.