Major James T. Wynn

November 26, 1923 - May 3, 2020

FORT WORTH, TX

Major James T. Wynn, 96, formerly of Oklahoma, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2020, in Fort Worth, TX. He was born on November 26, 1923, in Galveston, TX, to Richard and Eunice (DeBarbieris) Wynn. He was part of The Great Depression generation. At the onset of WWII he was delivering telegrams for Western Union, often delivering messages to families who lost loved ones in faraway places. James felt God’s call to come into His service and in 1942 he left his Houston childhood home to attend Salvation Army Training School in Atlanta, GA. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant by the Salvation Army out of the Valiant Session in May of 1943. On September 12, 1946, James married Salvation Army Lieutenant Margaret Ruth Hill the love of his life, and began their service together for the Lord. They were married 56 years and had five children. James and Margaret served as officers in the Salvation Army together until their retirement in November of 1988, a combined service totaling 90 years. Major Wynn’s appointments ranged from Fort Worth, TX in 1943 until Commanding Officer in Fort Smith, AR in 1988. He was joined in his appointments by Margaret in Plainview, TX in 1946. Together, they served the Vicksburg, MS community in 1953 following a devastating tornado; and the Enid, OK community following the 1973 flood. They retired in 1988. He loved music and played the euphonium or cornet in Salvations Army Bands throughout the Southern Territory. He taught music and formed brass bands in many of his appointments. James was a lifetime Rotarian and a Paul Harris Fellow. He was an avid reader, golfer, pilot and ground school instructor, as well as a sports enthusiast, especially baseball, favoring the Houston Astros. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Margaret Hill Wynn, his second wife Mildred Bowers Wynn, daughter Patricia Wynn Griffon, grandson Patrick Griffon, sisters Elizabeth Hill and Eunice Steed and brother Charles Wynn. This week his family will gather to celebrate the legacy he leaves behind at 10:00 AM Saturday, May 9, 2020, at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Fort Smith. James may be viewed from 12-5 PM on Friday, May 8, 2020, at Ocker-Putman Funeral Home of Fort Smith, Arkansas. James is survived by his three sons, Michael James Wynn of Crowley, TX, John Mark Wynn of Sapulpa, OK, and Richard Dale Wynn of Tulsa, OK; a daughter, Margaret Eunice Whitehead of Oakridge, TN; 15 grandchildren, Matthew Griffon, Bradley, Jennifer, Joshua, Shawn, Christopher and Adam Wynn, Jamie Webb, Amy Gooch, Rebecca, Margaret and Timothy Whitehead, Lisa James, Daniel White and Jennifer Welch; 13 great grandchildren and 2 greatgreat-grandchildren. James Wynn was a good man who lived a full and influential life. He is and will be sorely missed. Online tributes may be made at: www.ockerputmanfuneralhome.com