James Allen Linthicum

1940 - 2022

BORN

1940

DIED

2022

James Linthicum Obituary

James Allen Linthicum
August 10, 1940 - February 6, 2022
Resident of Cupertino
James Allen Linthicum died peacefully on February 6, 2022, at 81 years of age, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was the beloved husband of Diane Linthicum, his high school sweetheart, and father of Richard Linthicum, Laura Neal, and Jodi Ruybal. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law Karen Linthicum; sons-in-law Bill Neal and Travis Ruybal; grandchildren Josh and Jordyn Neal, Carly and Ashley Linthicum, and Zack Ruybal.
After teaching at Foothill College for two years, Jim became part of the inaugural staff at De Anza College teaching Physical Education and coaching football and tennis, then track & cross country for 34 years. He served as the COA NorCal Chairman for both track and field and cross country. Later he was on the USA Olympic Hurdle Development Committee. Three times, Jim was named Coach of the Year. He was inducted into the COA Cross Country and Track and Field Coaches Hall of Fame in 2004. During his career at DeAnza, Jim served as De Anza Physical Education Division Chairman and Athletic Director. He retired in 2004.
Jim's commitment and positivity touched the lives of countless students and athletes over his 39 years of teaching. He always had a smile and kind words about everyone. Every Thanksgiving he would host his own Turkey Trot at Rancho San Antonio Park with former athletes, students and their families. Every Fall, Jim would take his cross country team to Yosemite for team bonding and pre-season conditioning.
Jim's most treasured accomplishment was his marriage to his high school sweetheart for over 58 years. When he wasn't coaching his children's sports, he was cheering them on. He was a regular at his grandchildren's sporting events, always offering them a "good job, Sport" when the match was complete.
A celebration of his life will be held this summer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation: https://www.parkinson.org/

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Published by The Mercury News on Feb. 16, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for James Linthicum

Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.

5 Entries

Linda Wheeler Eames

July 15, 2023

I'm so sad about Coach Jim Linthicum passing away. He was my women's track coach 1973 to 1975. I know he had deep faith in God. He inspired me to also choose his faith in God. I have such good memories of him.

David E. Durham

February 22, 2022

Jim and I were on the track team together at Ohio U. After graduation we lost contact and I did not see him again until a few years ago in Portland where we had lunch with Mike Ryan, who had maintained contact all these years. Jim had changed physically as had we all and was dealing with Parkinson's but he was still Jim. My father had dealt with Parkinson's and I knew what he was going through and what was to come. Seeing him was like stepping back in time. He was the Jim I remembered...a quiet, reserved, classy person, a man who was a fine athlete, and a fine person. We ran relays together, he often handing off the baton to me. Now he has handed off the baton again to those who remain. I am proud to have shared experiences with him and to call him a friend from long ago. Mike and I will share stories as we often do when I visit my family in Portland several times a year. We old Bobcats are proud of our achievements together on the track and in the lives we have lived since then. Jim will be missed by all who knew him but will carry on his memory. He was a winner on the track and in life.
My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
David E. Durham
Ohio U. '63.

Oscar S. Ramirez

February 17, 2022

Diane and Family,

We have lost Jim, who personified those excellent qualities sought by all human beings. His thoughts were his as were his peaceful joys as he worked with others. I worked with Jim for many years and can attest to the valuable contributions he made to DeAnza College. Our students benefited from his counsel, teaching and leadership. He masterfully warmed the hopes and dreams of his students! He is now gone like dreams between joy and sorrow but he will continue to dwell in our hearts. His humble steps were loftier than those of most as he crossed life's changing times for he truly undestood what it meant in being a human being.

I submit sincere condolences on behalf of Sue, our family and myself. May time bring solace to your grieving hearts.

Oscar S. Ramirez
Vice-President, Retired.

Ted & Thelma Ferguson

February 16, 2022

Our deepest sympathies to you, Diane and all the Linthicum family for your loss. thinking of you.
Ted and Thelma

February 16, 2022

Time will help heal your pain, friends will comfort you, faith will uphold you and loving memories will heal your hearts. My condolences on the loss of your loved one. Matthew 5:4

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