John Windham

The Lord raised John Herman Windham up on angels’ wings in the early hours of June 26, 2020. He fought the good fight and never wavered in his faith. John was born July 24, 1949 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to James Curtis Windham Sr. and Mattie Irene Williams.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother James Curtis Windham Jr. (Jan), Francis Irene Windham Bilbrey (Grady), Henry Lewis Windham and Flora Windham, and Barbara Jane Windham.

He is survived by his life partner and loving wife of 46 years, Sharon Cordray Windham. Cherished father of Michael Windham (Amanda) of Atlanta, Georgia, Jeanette Windham Simmons, and Danelle Windham Pelanne (Ricky), both of Gulfport. Beloved grandfather of Michael Jared Windham, United States Navy; Morgan Lynn Windham and Ella Rose Windham of Covington, Louisiana; Timothy Landon Windham; Taylor Reneé Simmons, Isabella Grace Simmons, and Donnie Otis “Cort” Simmons IV of Gulfport.

He also is survived by his loving sister Leora Louise Windham Hogue (Roy) of Lafayette, Georgia, and loving brother Joseph Anthony Windham of Detroit, Michigan. Also, to cherish his memory are his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and devoted friends.

John served in the United States Army. After his tour of duty in Vietnam, he returned to Gulfport where he met his wife at college. He was a graduate of Mississippi State University. He continued service to his country for more than 20 years in the Mississippi Army National Guard, retiring with the rank of Major.

A devout Catholic and parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, John was an Extraordinary Minister and a member of the Kitchen Crew. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus where he served as Past Grand Knight and Past Faithful Navigator.

John lived life to the fullest. He embraced opportunities to experience adventure and expand his understanding of the world and its unique cultures. John never met a stranger and was equally at home on the golf course or in a foreign country. He and Sharon were seasoned travelers with memorable trips to Alaska, Panama, Ireland, England, Scotland, France, Portugal, and the Beaches of Normandy.

A voracious reader of history and science fiction, he enjoyed fishing and sports, both as a fan cheering the New Orleans Saints and the Mississippi State Bulldogs, and also playing softball and basketball. His humor was contagious, and he inspired children of all ages to match his whimsical expressions.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 2414 Seventeenth Street in Gulfport, MS. Due to current public health concerns with COVID-19, social distancing and wearing a mask will be expected of all in attendance.

Following Mass, internment will be at 2:30 p.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery, 400 Veterans Avenue, Biloxi, MS. Due to Veterans’ Administration restrictions, only ten members of the immediate family will be allowed to attend the grave side service; all others must remain in their vehicles.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 2414 Seventeenth Street in Gulfport, MS 39501.

The RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Gulfport, is serving the family and family and friends are invited to share their fond memories of John by visiting: www.riemannfamily.com