James Dalton Winfree, 87, of Greeneville, Tennessee, formerly of Cookeville, Tennessee, died January 4, 2026. When James was fourteen, the Cookeville Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Murfreesboro Presbytery), where he attended with his family, acquired an electronic organ. He spent a year teaching himself how to play. Until graduating from college in 1960, he accompanied the church’s services on the organ. Trained at Tennessee Tech University in music education, he was proficient on piano and organ, played multiple brass and woodwind instruments, and was an accomplished vocalist. After moving to Greeneville in 1962, he became band director at Greeneville Junior High School, a role he held while also serving as Organist and Choirmaster at Reformation Lutheran Church from 1962 to 1986. He later directed choral music at Greeneville High School (1966–1985) and band and chorus at Greeneville Adventist Academy (1987–1991). Winfree was closely associated with Tusculum University beginning in 1988, where he served as choir director, adjunct faculty member, and frequent accompanist. His broad impact on the musical life of the community earned him Tusculum’s Distinguished Service Award. Beyond institutional roles, he was a sought-after accompanist for theatre productions, recitals, weddings, and funerals, and a familiar presence in local performance venues. A Colleague of the American Guild of Organists for more than six decades, Winfree served as Dean of the Knoxville Chapter from 1991 to 1992. In 1986, he became Organist and Choirmaster at St. James Episcopal Church in Greeneville, a position he held until his death, concluding his service with Christmas Eve worship in 2025.