Jay Winkler

Jay L. Winkler, 68, of New Philadelphia passed away at Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 following a brief period of declining health.

Born in Dover on December 13, 1956, he was the son of the late James L. Winkler and JoAnn Heaston.  Jay was a 1975 graduate of New Philadelphia High School and retired from the Tuscarawas County Road and Bridge Department.  He enjoyed trap shooting, but most of all, he enjoyed bow hunting.  His greatest pleasure was riding his motorcycle through West Virginia, Montana, and Wyoming.

He is survived by his sisters Julie (Thomas) Kline of New Philadelphia, and Janie Dockus; nieces Kelly (Jason) Cappel of Dover and Clarissa Gregg of Colorado; nephew Casey Kline of Philadelphia, PA; and great nephew Jeremy Cappel of Dover.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother Jeffrey Winkler.

Ironically, on the day Jay was born his father James got his first buck.  Jay died during a Buck Moon (July’s full moon), and later that evening while arriving home from the hospital, his sister Julie was greeted by a buck in her driveway.

In honoring Jay’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or services.  Cremation will take place and he will be placed with his father at Schoenbrunn Meadows Cemetery in New Philadelphia.  

Smith-Varns Funeral Home in Sugarcreek is assisting the family with arrangements.