James Thurston Linkenhoker

James "Jim" Thurston Linkenhoker
May 16, 1944 - July 21, 2023
Born in Fayetteville, WV to Calvin Linkenhoker and Rose Kyle Burruss Linkenhoker.
Jim is preceded by his parents & siblings, David Linkenhoker & Marilyn Ann Darrah, and sister-in-law, Kathy Linkenhoker.
Jim grew up in Ansted, WV and was the second child of Calvin and Rose Kyle Linkenhoker. Growing up with six siblings and a large family of cousins, aunts, and uncles, he had a childhood filled with love, laughter, and tight family bonds. At the age of 15, Jim's mother passed, and the siblings were separated to live with family and close friends. Jimmy stayed with his aunt and her family all while remaining the steadfast "big brother" for his youngest two brothers, Bobby & David.
Jim graduated from Ansted High School in 1962. While in high school, he was a faithful member of the band and a diligent worker for his grandfather, J. Mack Linkenhoker, at the family drug store. Most importantly, however, it was during his senior year when he met the love of his life, Georgia, wooing her by smiling and wiggling his ears at her during geography class.
After graduation, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army where he attended engineering school for electrical generator maintenance at Ft. Leonard Wood before serving time in Germany.
On June 1, 1964, Jim married his high school sweetheart, and they began their lives together in Kenton, Ohio where he worked for Hooker Chemical. He later attained his Master Electrician license. He was also involved in his community and, alongside his friends, owned the Club Chalet and Buckeye's Sporting Goods.
In 1979, Jim returned to his hometown of Ansted to be closer to his family. He then began his career at Hawks Nest State Park as a Maintenance Director where he remained for the next 30 years.
Jim's heart belonged to his family and his hometown, serving in numerous ways such as helping to create the AIM Committee and beginning the over 25-year service as member and electrician for the Ansted Hometown Heritage Festival.
Jim attended every Midland Trail football game to cheer on not only the football team, but also the marching band which he loved, volunteering at multiple times to carry their instruments with his truck.
But first and foremost, Jim's heart belonged to God, and he served his Lord well. Over the years, he was a BYF Leader at Lovers Leap Baptist, a Deacon and Trustee at his church as well as Sunday School Superintendent, a frequent attendee of monthly Hopewell Association Youth rallies, and faithful counselor at Camp Cowen. Through all of this, he ministered to the many teenagers he treasured and watched them grow into adults, and he was proud to have been a part of their lives. He was truly a man of God and consistently proved this in every part of his life.
Jim never said "no" to anyone in need of help, being happy to lend a hand to his family, friends, church, and community, and being a friend to everyone he met. His infectious humor, friendly smile, and unending love never wavered. He was a protector, leader, and truly a man bigger than life, all while remaining humble throughout everything that he did.
Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Georgia, whom he adored and cherished until his last breath. To him, she will always be his "favorite wife."
Jim's legacy continues on through his only daughter, Sherri, who inherited the best of his Linkenhoker genes and traits, and her fiancé, Joey Lilly of Beckley.
Jim was extremely proud and supportive of his grandchildren: Ethan Miller of Huntington and Olivia Rose Miller, Jocelyn Lilly, and Jackson Lilly of Beckley. He had a special bond with each of his grandchildren, loving each of them for the people they are
Jim is survived by his older brother, Calvin of Fitzwilliam, NH and continues to be a "big brother" to Joe and Connie, William and Crysty, and Bob. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Tim, Amy Jo, Andy, Amanda, Brad, Michael, Linda, and Matthew as well as numerous great nieces, nephews, and his special sister-in-law, Mary.
Jim passed peacefully, surrounded by family. He fell asleep on Earth and woke up in Heaven with his Lord and many family and friends.
"If you're going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can't be erased." – Maya Angelou
Services will be held at Wallace & Wallace in Ansted on Tuesday from 6:00-8:00 pm and Wednesday at 1:00. Interment will be at Restlawn Memory Gardens in Victor.
Pastor Milburn Pack and Dr. Jack Eades will be serving the family at both services.