Vernon Linn Jr.

VERNON JAMES LINN JR
March 22, 1944 ˜ November 3, 2025

Vernon James “Jim” Linn Jr passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025 at the Ray Hickey Hospice House. Jim was born March 22, 1944 in Hayes, Kansas to Vernon Sr and Jackie. His early years were spent in Canada where his Dad worked as a Superintendent in the oilfield business. Jim enjoyed a typical childhood of little league, teaching snooker to his brother Gary, and playing the trumpet. He also worked a couple summers as a roughneck. The Linn family moved to Wyoming where Jim attended the University of Wyoming and met his best friend Don Cook. Jim and Don decided to move to Portland, Oregon and Jim began working for Meier & Frank. And that’s where he met the love of his life, Francine Mortek. They married, bought a cute house as well as a boat and enjoyed life. Jim and Francine became business owners when they bought two Minit Marts, but after several years of hard work, they decided a change was needed. It was then that Jim began working for The Washington Lottery - a job he thoroughly enjoyed!
Jim and Francine loved taking vacations to Hawaii and Mexico and always returned with plenty of adventures to share. Golfing and fishing were favorite pastimes and they adored their pets, Fred and Barney.
Francine’s passing in 2018 was very difficult for Jim and his health issues compounded over the next years.
Jim is survived by his brother Gary Linn of Eagle, Idaho and his daughters and Francine’s brother John Mortek, his wife Valerie and their children.
A Celebration of Life will be held on December 14, 2025 from 12:30-1:30 at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in the Hospitality Room. All who knew Jim are welcome!
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