Jim: Obituary for James E. Tinnes and Versailles Gym Owner Reacts After Man Found Dead Behind Shopping Center
The family of James "Jim" E. Tinnes announced jim died on Sunday, February 22, 2026, surrounded by family. At the same time, a separate incident in Versailles left a man dead behind a shopping center; the Woodford County Coroner has identified him. These two developments matter to distinct local communities — one preparing memorial plans and military honors, the other awaiting further investigation into an unusual scene behind a retail complex.
Jim's life, military service and career
James E. Tinnes, known as Jim, was born in Waukesha, WI on February 4, 1948, the son of Earl and Jane (Camenga) Tinnes. He graduated from Waukesha High School in 1966. Jim served in the U. S. Army and completed two tours in Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam from 1968-1969.
Over the course of his working years, Jim was employed at Esser Paint & Glass, the Wisconsin Highway Department, Astro Pattern and Ride Line, and he retired from Waukesha Metro. He volunteered at Waukesha Memorial Hospital from 2007-2020. Jim was an active member of D. J. Martin American Legion Post 8 and served in the past as Post Commander and as Commander of the Honor Guard.
Survivors, precedents and family details
Jim is survived by his sister Karen (Don) Medler, nephew John Medler, and niece Jane (Mark) Busbia and their children Devon (Jack) Ferguson and Connor Busbia. He is also survived by other dear relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Sandra Dunsay and Mary Pagliaro.
Visitation, military honors and memorial preferences
Visitation for James E. Tinnes is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 6: 00 p. m. until 7: 00 p. m. ET. Full military honors will begin at 7: 00 p. m. ET, followed by the memorial service at Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Ave., Waukesha. Memorials in Jim’s name are appreciated to D. J. Martin American Legion Post 8, P. O. Box 111, Waukesha, WI 53187.
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Versailles shopping-center death: identity and preliminary findings
The Woodford County Coroner has identified a man found hanging upside down on a utility pipe behind a Versailles shopping center as 60-year-old Paul Masters of Nicholasville. Versailles police said officers were called to the scene at 7: 30 a. m. on Monday in response to a report of a man hanging upside down. Preliminary findings suggest Masters was attempting to burglarize the building.
Local reaction: gym owner describes the scene and security measures
Brett Least, owner of Workout Anytime in Versailles, said he arrived Monday morning, dropped off his children, and noticed first responders behind the building. Least said he followed first responders to the rear of the building to check on the situation.
Least described the shopping center as normally quiet and noted that many of his customers use the 24/7 facility throughout overnight hours, including local first responders. He emphasized security measures at his location: 16 different security cameras and four first responder buttons mounted to the wall. Least said he hopes the incident does not deter people from using the gym and that he appreciated how first responders handled the scene, noting that they cut it off from the public to prevent others from seeing the traumatic scene.
Other businesses in the shopping center declined to comment about the ongoing investigation. The investigation status and any further official findings are unclear in the provided context.
