James William Linhares

The family and friends of James William Linhares, of Turlock, California, mourn the loss of our dear Jim, who passed away on October 4, 2025. Jim will be remembered as a wonderful man, known for his strong character, love and loyalty for family and friends, generosity, endearing sense of humor and passion for life. Jim was born July 8, 1954 in Turlock, CA. He grew up on a farm in Turlock, and retained his love and interest in agriculture throughout his life, even while working in executive positions in the business world. Jim married his true love, Mary Johnson, in 1975, and they shared 49 full and rewarding years together, including building and traveling as Jim advanced his career. Jim and Mary were blessed with two sons, Sheldon and Grant; two grandchildren, Wiley and Lincoln, and his bonus grandchildren, Jackson and Beau. Jim was a graduate of Turlock High School, Modesto Junior College, St. Mary's College, and Golden Gate University, where he earned an MBA in Health Care Administration. He had a long and successful career in various health care management roles, culminating in many years during which he served as the CEO of nine hospitals for corporations such as Tenet, Kindred, and BridgePoint. Jim and Mary moved 13 times across the United States, including stops in San Diego, Tucson, Riverside, San Leandro, and Redding. They spent nine years in their final corporate destination, Washington, D.C., where Jim ran two hospitals during the COVID pandemic. Most recently he worked as an executive healthcare consultant, and since 2023, he had served as a member of the governing boards of both Livingston Health and Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock. In 2024, Jim served on the Governing Board Selection Committee at Emanuel Medical Center and most recently held the role of Vice Chair, where his leadership, wisdom, and experience helped guide the hospital through important strategic initiatives. His work in healthcare was always guided by integrity, compassion, and professionalism. Jim was active in civic life in Turlock, including service as a past member of the Turlock Sunrise Rotary Club. One of his fondest life highlights was traveling as a member of the Rotary District 5220 Group Study Exchange to Sweden in 1986, an international cultural exchange that enriched both his personal and professional life and left him with many lifelong friends and memories. He was an avid outdoorsman, and spent many days hunting, fishing, hiking, and skiing with friends and family. Jim was one of a kind – an unforgettable soul who touched our lives with his adventurous spirit, strong personality and convictions, unforgettable laugh and good-natured teasing. Beneath it all was a kind heart, abundant love and a good and decent man. In addition to his immediate family, survivors include his brothers, Gary (Arlene) Linhares and David (Sheri) Linhares. A celebration of Jim's life will be held in the spring of 2026. Contributions in honor of Jim can be sent to Legacy Health Endowment, 2881 Geer Rd., Ste. A, Turlock, CA 95382 or online at www.legacyhealthendowment.org.