James F. Linson

1936 - 2020

 

James F. Linson, 83, of Jacksonville, passed away Friday evening, November 6, 2020 at St. Johns Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.

He was born November 18, 1936 in Wolf Lake, Illinois to Blanche (Miller) and William Linson. He was the middle child of three, his younger brother William (Billy) Linson (wife, Linda, survives) and older sister Shirley Linson- Grayson who both proceeded him in death. He married Joyce Clair on June 3, 1967, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and she survives. Joyce and Jim were married 53 years.

He is survived by his children: Jeff Linson of Anna, Illinois, Jennifer Linson of Jacksonville, Illinois, Janean Mays of Jacksonville, Illinois (husband, Allen Mays), Josh Linson of Anna, Illinois, Michael Henry of Fayetteville, Arkansas and Lisa Marie Kerna of San Diego, California. His grandchildren include Michaelene Mays, Austin Mays, Zachary Mays, and Isla Willis all of Jacksonville, Illinois. He also has many nieces and nephews. He was a loving father who was an extremely hard worker that always provided for his family.

He was a devoted Christian and member of the First Christian Church in Anna, Illinois. He was a Sunday school teacher and Deacon for several years. Jim passed on his love for the Lord to his family and was passionate about his faith. He graduated from Anna- Jonesboro High School in 1955 then attended The Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. After attending the academy, he became a proud Marine where he served 2 terms. Jim became a truck driver where he met many people on his travels who became lifelong friends. After many years on the road, he became the proud owner/operator of Linson Transport Systems and Linson Service Center. On all his semis he had the Bible Verse, “To and for the glory of God” Corinthians 10:31.

Jim loved to work the land. Anything to do with a tractor, he did it: bush hog, mow, till, etc. You could often find him with a Dutchmaster Cigar hanging from the side of his mouth with a glass of the sweetest tea. Jim never met a stranger and he would talk your ear off with all of his stories. As he would put it, “let me lay some word on ya.” He loved to give advice even though sometimes it was unwarranted. He was certainly the life of the party and jokester. Jim loved his vehicles from his '56 T- Bird to his GMC pickup. He instilled the importance of maintaining your equipment to his family. Anywhere he went Jim left a lasting impression. He will be loved and missed by many.

Cremation rites have been accorded by the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville.

The family will host a memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life. The visitation will be held at 11a.m.-1p.m and the service will start at 1 p.m. at Crain Funeral Home in Anna on November 14, 2020 with military honors accorded. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church of Anna. Condolences may be left at crainsonline.com.