James Winoker, 93

CRANSTON, R.I. – James Robert Winoker passed away on May 14, 2025. He was the son of the late Sarah (Levenson) Winoker and Israel Winoker and brother of the late Myron Winoker.

James was the devoted husband of the late Marilyn H. Winoker, his loving wife of 66 years. James is survived by his three children: Susan L. Winoker, David M. Winoker (Kristin) and Steven E. Winoker (Nina). He is also survived by six grandchildren of whom he was so proud: Joshua Resnik (Desire), Alissa Rubin, Zachary Winoker, Alexander Winoker, Elliot Winoker and Charlotte Winoker, and two great-grandchildren, Aiden Resnik and Ezra Rubin.

A U.S. Army veteran, James was a distinguished business and community leader, known for his support of many Rhode Island and national institutions that benefited from his insight, integrity and dedication. He will forever be remembered for his gracious loving-kindness, welcoming nature, entrepreneurial spirit, sharp wit and the positive impact he had on those around him, especially in his relationships with family and friends.

James graduated from Classical High School, where he was awarded magna cum laude, and later received the Honorary Alumnus Award. He graduated from Brown University, earning honors in economics, was a member of the Tower Club and president of Hillel. Later he served as an emeritus member of the Brown Corporation, honorary trustee and former member of the committee of the Medical Corporation and the Medical Board of Overseers. After graduating from Harvard Business School, his leadership extended to the Harvard Business School Association of Rhode Island and the National Alumni Board. He also received an Honorary Doctor of Public Service from Roger Williams University and an Honorary Award from Northwood University. He was vice-chairman of the President’s Council of Providence College and a Brandeis University Fellow.

From 1955-1958, James served in the U.S. Army and was an honorary faculty member of the Army Management School, a Pentagon activity where he taught at the Fort Belvoir educational base.

James began his professional journey at the age of 7 selling Colliers Magazine door-to-door and remained active professionally and as a civic leader, investing in historical preservation and advocating for the State of Rhode Island into his 90s. James co-founded the B.B. Greenberg Company, manufacturing jewelers, where he received numerous accolades in the jewelry industry and was a former member of the 24 Karat Club of New York. He later co-founded Belvoir Properties, where he was the first developer to help establish the Providence Jewelry District more than 30 years ago. The historical district, now called the Innovation District, was initially home to the manufacturing company for whom he worked at a young age (Briar Manufacturing) and now home to many thriving businesses andmedical and educational institutions, including leading life science research groups.

His contributions to the community included working with his family to develop many commercial buildings around Rhode Island, including as former owner of the Biltmore Hotel. In 2008, James received the Rhode Island Historic Preservation and Heritage Commission Award for Belvoir’s renovation projects, including Union Station in downtown Providence and Rosedale Apartments in Edgewood. In 2011, James and his late wife, Marilyn, received the “Rhody Award” for their lifetime of achievement in historic preservation.

James was a former board member of the Narragansett Electric Company, New England Electric System and National Grid. He was also a former board member of the Original Bradford Soap Works and RI Hospital Trust National Bank.

James was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in 2023. James was named Businessman of the Year in 1986 by Ocean State Magazine and honored by Providence Business News. He was the first president of the Jewelry District, former president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, founding president of the Providence Industrial Development Corporation and member of the board of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council. He was the first chairman of the Providence Review Commission, vice chairman of Science and Technology of RI, vice chairman of the Business Development Company of RI, chairman of the Providence Foundation and Honorary Admiral of the RI Commodores.

James was active in support of his faith and heritage. He was past vice president and an honorary trustee of Temple Emanu-El, in Providence, and trustee and former board member of the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island. He was a co-chairman of the first Holocaust Museum Campaign, in Washington, DC. He was an honorary board member and National Trustee of the National Conference for Community and Justice (formerly the National Conference of Christians and Jews).

James was an honorary director of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, a recipient of the Rotary International Paul Harris Award and involved with many philanthropic fundraising activities. He was an active member of several clubs including the Hope Club, University Club, Dunes Club and the Brown Faculty Club as well as The Harvard Club of New York. He has been a loyal lifetime fan of the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots and anyone competing anywhere who represents the State of Rhode Island.

Donations can be made to the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School, 667 Waterman Ave., East Providence, RI 02914 (https://donate.riphil.org/give) or to Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence, RI 02906 (https://www.teprov.org/payment.php).