Lieutenant Colonel James Edward Wingate, 71, of Morganton, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026, peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Jim was born September 25, 1954, in Ft. Myers, Florida to the late Levis Mayo Wingate and Emma Lee Drawdy. He served honorably in the United States Air Force and retired from services after proudly serving his country for more than twenty-two years. During his service time he served as Joint Chief of Staff at the Pentagon in Washington DC, along with many other duty stations. Jim was a hard worker and devoted to his job; but most of all he was dedicated to his family and spending time with them. In his spare time, he enjoyed a good Tom Clancey book or working a puzzle; and in his younger years loved to play racket ball.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, James “Jaime” Wingate II, a sister, Cheryl Marx and a brother, Robert McCray.

Surviving is his wife, Marijane Lockhart Wingate of the home, his children; James Edward Wingate III and wife Julie of Boerne, TX, Joshua August Wingate and wife Casey of San Antonio, TX, Melissa Ann Marcus, Rebecca Lynn Cleckner, and Joshua Allen Adams, all of Morganton. Also surviving are his grandchildren; James Edward Wingate IV, Jackson Thomas Wingate, Johanna Kathleen Wingate, Mack Joshua Wingate, Kirstian Lynn Marcus, Issac Allen Ring, and Makayla Ann Cleckner and fiancé Kevin M. Hover III, and great-granddaughter, Josie Jane Wood.

A funeral service will be held on, Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 1:00 P.M., in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service with Pastor Kevin Crawford officiating. Interment will follow at Burke Memorial Park, with military honors provided by the United States Air Force.

The family will receive friends on Saturday prior to the service at Heritage Funeral Service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is serving the Wingate family.