In Memoriam 1938 – 2026
Jim was the St. James Episcopal Church choirmaster and organist from 1986 to 2026 (39+ years). The final service before his death was Christmas Eve 2025. His distinguished career in music includes teaching in public schools for 25 years, at the Adventist Academy for four years, and for many years as an adjunct faculty member at Tusculum College (now University). Jim served as Music Director and accompanist for the Greeneville Little Theater for 25 years and was elected to their Honorary Board of Directors for dedicated service. Jim played the Fifth Brandenburg Concerto in Kingsport and performed the Mozart Piano Concerto No. 20 with the Knoxville Chamber Orchestra at Tusculum. He was a piano soloist with a local band performing George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and has given organ recitals in various cities throughout East Tennessee. Jim served other churches in the area, including the Reformation Lutheran Church in Greeneville, for 24 years. Jim is a Colleague of the American Guild of Organists (CAGO) with over 40 years of membership. CAGO is a prestigious designation that makes him a master among his peers. In the AGO He served as the Knoxville Chapter’s sub-dean, dean, and chair of its Scholarship Committee. Jim is a graduate of Tennessee Technological University School of Music and Art.
James Dalton Winfree, 87, of Greeneville, TN, passed from this world on January 4, 2026.
A native Tennessean, Jim was born in March 1938 to Alvin B. Winfree and Flora Esther Carter Winfree. He was born and educated in Cookeville, where he received his bachelor’s degree in music education from Tennessee Tech University. While in college, he learned not only to play the piano and organ, but also to play various brass and woodwind instruments, and he was an accomplished vocalist. In August 1960, he married Brenda Bradshaw, with whom he had two sons, Anthony and the late Richard Winfree.
Jim’s distinguished music career began at age 10 with piano lessons. When the Cookeville Cumberland Presbyterian Church acquired an electronic organ, Jim spent a year teaching himself how to play. From age 14 until graduating from college in 1960, he accompanied the church’s services on the organ.
In 1962, Jim arrived in Greeneville and became the band director at Greeneville Junior High School. From 1962 until July 1986, he was also the Organist and Choirmaster of Reformation Lutheran Church. In 1966, Jim began leading Greeneville High School Chorus and directed choral music until 1985. From 1987 until 1991, he directed the band and chorus for Greeneville Adventist Academy.
Jim began to provide musical accompaniment for events at Tusculum University (then Tusculum College) in 1988. He then became a director of the college choir for about six years, as well as being an adjunct faculty member. Tusculum recognized Jim’s contributions to the community by noting that “his influence on the musicianship of Greeneville citizens runs the spectrum from his work as band instructor, choral director, church musician, and keyboard instructor and through his work with Little Theatre productions and Tusculum Community Choral groups” and by presenting him with a Distinguished Service Award. In addition to those activities, Jim also played for countless recitals, weddings and funerals and was known as the “piano man” at Link Hills Country Club and the Italian Village. Jim began giving private lessons at 18 and taught organ until his death.
Professionally, Jim was a Colleague of the American Guild of Organists and had been a member for over 60 years. He served as Dean of the Knoxville Chapter from 1991 to 1992.
In 1986, Jim became Organist and Choirmaster at St. James Episcopal Church of Greeneville and continued in that role until his death, with his final service being Christmas Eve 2025.
Jim loved his craft and shared his talents freely. Many of his students received scholarships because of his guidance and encouragement. Former student and fellow musician, James W. Story, summed up Jim’s influence, “his students went on to extraordinary paths: Broadway performers, recording artists, music educators, military band members, and creative professionals worldwide. His reach was broad, but his care was always personal.”
The Jim Winfree Joy of Music Scholarship Fund, in both Band and Chorus, was established at Greeneville High School to continue his legacy and support many students in the future. Contributions to this fund can be sent to the Greeneville City Schools Education Foundation, P.O. Box 1420, Greeneville, TN 37744. Please put James Winfree Joy of Music in the memo, or donations may be made to St. James Episcopal Church towards restoration of the old organ fund.
Jim was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Brenda; his son, Richard; and his four siblings: Mildred, Marie, Billy, and Alvin Jr.
He is survived by a loving family, consisting of his wife, Peggy Moore Winfree; son: Anthony Winfree (Lisa); stepson: Chad Abrams (Mindy); stepdaughter: Shannon Abrams (Randy Chrisman); “adopted” third son: Lee House; grandson: Cory Winfree (Lauren); granddaughter: Rebekah Winfree; step-grandchildren: Garrett, Jaida, and Parker Abrams; special cousin: Sandra Winham; nieces and nephews that he loved dearly: Howard Stephenson, Jr., Shirley Joyce Mullins, Marilyn Roberts, Jackie Probst, Brenda Clausen, Billy Winfree Jr., Melissa Gengler, Michael Winfree, Michele Black, Belinda Harris, Jonathan Winfree; also the early morning group at the YMCA; the countless students and friends. Special thanks to Dr. Philip Thwing and U.T. Hospice.
Services will be officiated by the Rev. James W. Lively, the Rev. Michael Sauls, and the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Saunders III.
