OSWEGO — James Donald Wimp, 91, and his wife, Jo Ellen Wimp, 90, tragically passed away in a house fire Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Oswego. They had lived in Oswego the past 63 years.
James was born Oct. 1, 1933, in Cherokee County to James Al and Rosa Ellen (Page) Wimp. He was a heavy equipment operator, working for Carl Mercer for 30 years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a former member of the Masonic Lodge, Columbus.
Jo Ellen Wimp was born July 15, 1934, in Scott City to Samuel Lee and Inez (Needles) Binns. She was a homemaker and enjoyed sewing, cooking and baking. She also worked as a cook for the Oswego school system for 20 years.
Surviving are six sons, Donald Wimp (Wanda), James Wimp, Larry Wimp (Jan), Al Wimp (Margie), Raymond Wimp (Bobbi) and Joe Wimp (Julie), all of Oswego; two daughters, Cathy Strickland, Oswego, and Kay Clark (Jim) Parsons; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Don is also survived by a brother, Bill Wimp, Parsons; and Rosa Saffell, Altamont.
They were preceded in death by their parents; one infant daughter, Janet Wimp; and one infant grandson, Jason Strickland. Don was also preceded in death by a brother, Ethan Wimp; and a sister, Mary Deihm. Jo was preceded in death by four brothers, Alan, Jim, Pete and Sandy Binns; and two sisters, Nancy Gray and Betty Jeffries.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at Derfelt Funeral Home, Oswego, with Rod Monroe officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Derfelt Funeral Home, Oswego.
