James Wingate

James M. ‘Jim’ Wingate of Baton Rouge La. passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 20, 2023. Mr. Jim was born in Eros, La. on September 15, 1929. He is survived by his wife, Margaret M. Wingate, of over 70 years of marriage his son James E. Wingate and daughter-in-law Jennifer C. Wingate.  Mr. Jim moved to the Baton Rouge area with his parents back in the late 1940’s where he attended High School and later joined the United States Navy. While serving overseas during the Korean Conflict, he served on several mine sweepers clearing the ports and harbors and also on the aircraft carrier USS Antietam. While on active duty overseas he was awarded the Medal of Commendation for saving the lives of many sailors. He also was awarded the medal of Japan Occupation with four stars, United Nations Medal, and the Good Conduct medal with ribbons. Mr. Jim was honorably discharged from the Navy on February 7^th, 1952. He returned home where he married Margaret L. May in November of 1952 where they had four children together: Ann Wingate-Shealy, James E. Wingate, Scott R. Wingate, and Jeffrey M. Wingate.

Mr. Jim was a certified heli-arc welder and master diesel mechanic who worked at many petroleum construction sites in the Baton Rouge area. After he retired from the Plumber and Steamfitters Union local #198, he opened his own business of Jim’s Welding and Repair where the motto of the business is ‘No job to small.’ Many people came to Mr. Jim asking for assistance in making repairs to lawn mowers, tractors, trucks, trailers, BBQ pits, and lawn furniture. He was a loving family man, active member of Parkview Baptist Church, Freemason, and Shriner. He was always willing to help a friend with his time and talent in times of need. He loved to play golf, camp in the outdoors, fishing, and enjoyed watching LSU sprots.

He was preceded in death by his parents Edward D. and Robbie G. Wingate. His sister Elizabeth Wingate-Byles, his daughter Ann Wingate-Shealy, sons Scott R. Wingate and Jeffrey M. Wingate, and his grandson Mathew Wingate.

He is survived by his grandchildren Joshua E. Shealy, Rebecca Wingate-Shelton, Jason E. Wingate, Robi Nicole Wingate-McManus, and James R. Wingate. And his great grandchildren Victoire Wingate, Hallie Wingate, James Wingate, Jr., Lily G. Shelton, Abigail Marie McManus, and Rylee Nicole McManus.

Visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home in Baton Rouge on Monday, April 24, 2023 from 5pm to 8pm. And visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 between 9am to 11am. Service at 1030am and interment at Resthaven Gardens of Memory at 1200noon. The family would like to offer special thanks to St. Joseph Hospice and the nursing staff for the care and support given to Mr. Jim. Also to the pastors of Parkview Baptist Church, Dr. Chris DeGeorge and Rev. Merlin Liverman for all the prayers and support during this time of loss.