Mary Janiece James Winegar May 14, 1937 – August 24, 2026

Mary “Janiece” Winegar, of Metolius, Oregon passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, at the age of 89.

Born on May 14, 1937, in Englewood, Colorado. Janiece was the beloved daughter of Durward “Dude” Melvin James and Vera Bessie James. Throughout her life, Janiece was known for her kindness, humor, and her love of family.

Janiece grew up in Gaston Oregon, and this was where she met her lifelong friend Sharlene Ott. Her family moved to Redmond Oregon, her senior year of high school where she graduated in 1955. That same year she met Charles Henry Winegar while he was home on leave from the Marine Corps. They married on March 28th, 1956, and were married for 53 years until his passing in 2009. They spent their first five years of marriage living in Southern California, before moving to the Madras Oregon area, finally settling in Metolius Oregon in 1961, where she lived the rest of her life until passing.

Janiece spent her life doing what brought meaning and joy: raising her children, tending her flower gardens, trying new recipes, and working as an Election Clerk. She also enjoyed arts and crafts and touring annual Christmas bazars. But her greatest joy was spending time with her family sharing laughs and life stories.

Family was at the heart of Janiece’s life. She will be deeply missed by oldest son Jerald Winegar, daughter Verneene Winegar, grandchildren Ryan Winegar, Josh Winegar, Brent Winegar, Justin Fox, Kassie Fox, Kate Fox, Tim Winegar, Evan Winegar, Aaron Winegar, Cody Winegar, 23 great grandchildren, and many extended family members and dear friends.

Janiece was preceded in death by middle child, son Melvin Winegar, parents Durward and Vera, and five brothers, Lloyd Leroy James, Durward John James, Lawrence Dean James, Bernard Melvin James, and Charles Arden Conner.

Janiece worked as a bank teller while in Southern California. When they moved to Metolius she worked at the local store “the Met” in various roles, including managing the store until it burnt down in 1971. She switched careers and worked at Mountain View Hospital in Madras Oregon, in the Environmental Services Department from 1971 until retiring in March 1999. This is where she built on her friendship, working with longtime friend Kathy Emerson.

Janiece leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship, service, laughter, which will continue through all who knew and loved her.

A grave site service for Janiece will be held at Gray Butte Cemetery on September 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at her grandson’s home in Culver, Oregon. Everyone is welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a tribute donation be made to the Council on Aging Central Oregon. This can be done online at Council on Aging of Central Oregon Giving Page, link is https://www.councilonaging.org/donate/. Note Pet Pals Program, or you may mail a check to 1036 NE 5th Street, Bend, OR 97701. We ask that you simply remember Janiece by name.

Janiece will be forever loved, remembered, and missed.