Mr. Jimmy "Toy Cannon" Wynn's Obituary
Houston Astros Hall of Famer, Mr. Jimmy "Toy Cannon" Wynn entered into Eternal Rest March 26, 2020.
There will be a walk-by visitation Tuesday, March 31st, 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM at Mabrie Memorial Mortuary.
After his playing career, for several years, Wynn played an active role in the Astros community efforts. At the time of his passing, Wynn was a part of the Astros front office as Community Outreach Executive.
“Today, we lost a very big part of the Astros family with the passing of Jimmy Wynn. His contributions to our organization both on and off the field are too numerous to mention. As an All-Star player in the 1960’s and 70’s, Jimmy’s success on the field helped build our franchise from it’s beginnings. After his retirement, his tireless work in the community impacted thousands of young people in Houston. Although he is no longer with us, his legacy will live on at Minute Maid Park, at the Astros Youth Academy and beyond."
In God's care, he leaves his loving wife, Rose Marie Wynn; daughter, Kimberly D. Wynn; son, James S. Wynn, Jr.; step-son, Darryl "Beau" Gilbo (Rhonda); grandchildren, Chasity Gay, Daren Davis, Kennedi Davis, Rhonketia Wynn, Tiara Wynn, and L. J. Wynn; step-grandchildren, Jade Gilbo, Jaz Gilbo and Jordyn Williams; brothers, Ronald Wynn and Joey Wynn; Sister in law, Betty J Wynn; and many other dear relatives and friends.
Mr. Wynn was preceded in death by his dear parents, Joe H. and Maude L. Wynn; sisters, Lynnette D. Wynn and Marie L. Wynn; bothers, Charles B. Wynn, Sr. and Willie H. Moody, Jr.
As a player, despite his small frame (5’9”), Wynn boasted tremendous power as a hitter and a strong throwing arm, earning him the nickname “Toy Cannon.” He made his Major League debut with the Houston Colt .45s in 1963, and ended up playing 11 seasons for the Colt .45s/Astros.
Despite playing in the cavernous, pitcher-friendly Astrodome, Wynn reached the 30-homer mark twice in his career, including a career-high 37 in 1967, his first All-Star season. He also reached 20 home runs seven times while in Houston. Other highlights included a Major League-best 148 walks in 1969 and a career-best 43 stolen bases in 1965. He also reached 100 runs scored three times as an Astro. After his last season in Houston, Wynn was the franchise leader in hits, home runs, RBI and walks. In 15 Major League seasons overall, Wynn hit 291 home runs with 964 RBI and 225 stolen bases while posting an .802 OPS.
Over the years, Wynn made hundreds of appearances while supporting the community outreach efforts of the Astros and the Astros Foundation.
On June 25, 2005, Wynn’s No. 24 jersey was officially retired by the Astros. On August 3, 2019, Wynn was inducted into the Astros Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural class. Wynn was also recognized for his outstanding community work on June 24, 2011, when the Astros and Minute Maid dedicated the Jimmy Wynn Training Center, which is a state-of-the-art baseball facility located at the Astros Youth Academy.
What’s your fondest memory of Jimmy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jimmy?
Share a story where Jimmy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jimmy you’ll never forget.
How did Jimmy make you smile?
