James Linaberger

James T. "Dutch" Linaberger
James T. Linaberger of Franklin Park (formerly of Penn Hills) passed away on June 13, 2022. Jim was born at home in Amity, PA on July 27, 1937. He was predeceased by his parents Rev. Walter A. and Jessie R. (Lytle) Linaberger, his wives Elsa Held Linaberger (2002) and Sandra Kenyon Smith Linaberger (2022) both of whom he met at Allegheny College, and his brother Lt. Col. Charles A. Linaberger.
He is survived by his daughters Anne (Thomas Mazula), Mara (Michael Haynie) and Elizabeth (Brian Best), two grandsons JT Mazula and Liam Best, his sister Mara Watson (William), niece Lynn Watson Neumann and nephew Edward Watson. In his second marriage Jim welcomed, loved, and is survived by his stepson William Smith, Jr. (Kristy), stepdaughters Tracey Armitage (Gregory), Nicole Manning (Michael) and six step grandchildren Hannah, Sheridan, and Trey Smith, Sarah Sheerer, and Matthew and Grace Manning. He is also survived by Mara's stepdaughters Sarah Schumar (Robert) and Samantha Voelker (Stephen).
Growing up as the son of a Methodist minister, Jim lived in many communities in western Pennsylvania, attending three grade schools (Kittanning, Smithfield, and Dunbar) and two high schools (Peabody and Beaver Falls). Jim graduated from Allegheny College in 1959 where he was senior class president, a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and, years later, served as a college trustee. In 2018 Jim and Sandi were co-awarded Allegheny's Alumni Medal in recognition of their years of distinguished service to the college.
Jim spent his business career with The Peoples Natural Gas Company and retired as assistant to the president, charged with, among other duties, managing the company's charitable contributions. He served on the boards of a number of organizations including the Better Business Bureau of Western PA, Grant Makers of Western PA, the United Methodist Church Union, and the Jumonville Foundation.
Jim was especially proud of his service on the boards of the Regional Trail Corporation and the Allegheny Trail Alliance where he played a crucial role in raising funds and government support for the completion of the Great Allegheny Passage. This groundbreaking rails-to-trail system that connects Pittsburgh to Cumberland, MD is enjoyed by thousands of people each year.
Jim loved the out of doors and, over the years, sailed on Chautauqua Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Lake Arthur, Deep Creek Lake, and the Ionian Sea. He water and snow skied, hunted small game, and biked the rails-to-trails, riding from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. four times. In retirement he took up the game of golf and played in 23 states, Canada, Scotland and France.
Jim was a singer and participated in church choirs from the age of 12 and in quartets in high school and college. In retirement he enjoyed reading, especially presidential biographies. He honorably served in the US Army, was a long-time member of Ingomar United Methodist Church, Hebron Presbyterian Church and served as a volunteer at UPMC Passavant Hospital.
A celebration of Jim's life will be held on July 23 at 11am at Ingomar United Methodist Church. Arrangements entrusted to Schellhaas & Sons Funeral Home, Sewickley.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to: Allegheny College, 520 North Main Street, Meadville, PA 16335; Ingomar United Methodist Church, 1501 W. Ingomar Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237; Regional Trail Corporation, PO Box 95, 111 Collinsburg Road, West Newton, PA 15089, or a charity of your choice.
"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" Matthew 25:23.
Please leave all condolences at www.schellhaasfh.com.