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February 27, 2005
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I am deeply saddened to report that Jim Grueter of Jim and Jan’s Winchesters passed away on April 13, 2025. He was 90 years old at the time of his passing.
To those of you that knew him, he was a great friend and had a vast knowledge of vintage Winchester firearms. He was an unselfish mentor to many lesser experienced collectors.
Jim was a tool and die maker by trade. Those skills morphed later into replacement Winchester screw making and parts business upon his retirement in Winchester, Idaho. His high-quality replacement screws for Winchester rifles were sold by the hundreds. Jim also was one of the few who ever mastered making replacement toggle links for the toggle link Winchester models. He also was gifted in Winchester set trigger repair. Jim and his partner Steve Bly also created and supplied a high-quality stain for Winchester stocks that worked exceptionally well.
Jim had hundreds of friends and customers, many made during the extensive years of show attendance. His passing leaves a void in the Winchester collecting game.
Jim is survived by his wife Jan at their home in Idaho.
Mark Yecha
Rapid taper, standard taper, extra heavy. All 45 caliber.
April 15, 2005
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Well that is definitely sad news, and I am personally very sorry to hear it
Jim was one of the truly good guys in my book, and I considered him to be a friend. I cannot count the number of times that I would stop by and visit with him (and Steve) at the Big Reno shows and the Cody shows. He almost always had something on his table that I needed or wanted.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
March 20, 2010
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Sorry to hear of his passing, Jim was a good guy. My dad always enjoyed spending time with him back in the day at the Cody show. Still have a fishing lure box or two worth of his screws and whatnot.
Chris
1892takedown @sbcglobal.net ......NRA Endowment Life Member.....WACA Member
"God is great.....beer is good.....and people are crazy"... Billy Currington
December 9, 2002
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RIP, Jim!
I, like the many others, enjoyed talking, and dealing with both Jim, and Steve, as it’s been a long while, but a couple of real Gentleman, as many have said, on more than one occasion. Sad to hear this news!
Anthony
December 12, 2019
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Sad news, and a the loss of a great guy. I was probably later to the game than most here. I met Jim and Steve during their ‘Tapaderas Winchesters’ days. But I always enjoyed stopping at their table and visiting with them. I bought at least two very nice Winchesters from them.
RIP and best wishes to his wife!
NP
Nevada Paul
Life Member NRA
September 19, 2014
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Mark, Thank you for letting us know. Surely sorry though. He was a very kind and helpful person. I hadn’t called in a long time, unfortunately. When I DID, they were always long calls. He amazed me with his outlook on life and his place in it. Tim
March 31, 2009
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Really sad news.
November 7, 2015
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I think I bought a receiver sight from them to repair one on an unusual little carbine I had. Amazing inventory. Didn’t realize he made screws.
Mike
January 26, 2011
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3855 said
I am deeply saddened to report that Jim Grueter of Jim and Jan’s Winchesters passed away on April 13, 2025. He was 90 years old at the time of his passing.To those of you that knew him, he was a great friend and had a vast knowledge of vintage Winchester firearms. He was an unselfish mentor to many lesser experienced collectors.
Jim was a tool and die maker by trade. Those skills morphed later into replacement Winchester screw making and parts business upon his retirement in Winchester, Idaho. His high-quality replacement screws for Winchester rifles were sold by the hundreds. Jim also was one of the few who ever mastered making replacement toggle links for the toggle link Winchester models. He also was gifted in Winchester set trigger repair. Jim and his partner Steve Bly also created and supplied a high-quality stain for Winchester stocks that worked exceptionally well.
Jim had hundreds of friends and customers, many made during the extensive years of show attendance. His passing leaves a void in the Winchester collecting game.
Jim is survived by his wife Jan at their home in Idaho.
Mark Yecha
Thanks for the note, Mark. Sad to hear the news and Jim will surely be missed. He was a wealth of knowledge and always willing to share it with us new guys. Prayers for Jan and the rest of his family.
~Gary~
January 27, 1992
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A great loss to all who knew and did business with Jim. We had a special bond with our mutual belief and faith in Jesus Christ. Not just our love of Winchesters. I am thankful that I had the blessing of knowing him. RDB
March 31, 2009
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TXGunNut said
I think I bought a receiver sight from them to repair one on an unusual little carbine I had. Amazing inventory. Didn’t realize he made screws.
Mike
Yes, you could buy an entire set of screws for most any Winchester. When he retired he sold what he had left to Russ Day. I have no idea where to get new screws now? We are loosing to many to fast.
November 7, 2015
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Chuck said
TXGunNut said
I think I bought a receiver sight from them to repair one on an unusual little carbine I had. Amazing inventory. Didn’t realize he made screws.
Mike
Yes, you could buy an entire set of screws for most any Winchester. When he retired he sold what he had left to Russ Day. I have no idea where to get new screws now? We are loosing to many to fast.
I can peen, cut slots, polish and cold blue passably but a few sets of quality screws would be a welcome addition to my parts box.
Mike
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