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James Linker Obituary

Linker James W. Linker, age 76, of Columbus, Ohio, died peacefully at home on March 21, 2015. Jim was born June 3, 1938 in Jackson Center, OH and raised in Sidney, OH. A 1960 graduate of Capital University, Jim taught school before going to Lubbock, TX for pilot training in the USAF. He married his college sweetheart, Janet Rupp, and they were stationed in Texas and California where Jim was a navigator instructor. After the Air Force, they returned to Columbus where Jim served as Alumni Director at Capital University and later Assistant Director of Development at Ohio Dominican College. Jim had a life-long hobby of collecting stamps and opened The Link Stamp Co. in 1965. In January 2015 he was proud to begin his 50th year in the business, the last 40 being full time. Jim and Jan had three children: Jenni, Jeff, and Tim. Sadly Jenni died in 1985 at age 22. Music played a major role in Jim's life. He was choir director and Jan was organist at their church in Texas and at Mather Air Force Base Chapel, Sacramento, CA. In Columbus they served at King Avenue Methodist Church and most recently at Trinity Methodist Church. In 1968 Jim founded the King's Way Singers, a choir of OSU students who attended King Avenue Church. This choir toured England, Wales, Canada and countless churches in Ohio. Many people have said that one of Jim's main jobs in life was to make people smile or laugh, which he did well, always with a new (or old!) joke or funny story. Jim is preceded in death by parents Harold and Margaret Linker, daughter Jenni, sister-in-law Jean (Paul) Savage. He is survived by wife of 53 years, Jan; sons, Jeff (Julie) and Tim (Heather); grandchildren, Jessica, Luke, Melanie, Josh, Lindsey, and Jennifer; sister, Beth (Ron) Kenreich; nephews, Todd, Roger and Ron. Friends may call Thursday, March 26, from 3-8 p.m., EVANS FUNERAL HOME, 4171 E. Livingston Ave. A funeral service will be held Friday, March 27 at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1581 Cambridge Blvd. Interment Friday, March 27, 3 p.m., Union Grove Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or The Salvation Army. www.evansfuneralhome.net

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Published by This Week Community Newspapers from Mar. 23 to Mar. 25, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for James Linker

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Miriam and Bob Miller

March 17, 2024

Remembering James Linker:
Bob and I sang with Kings Way Singers at the very beginning of its existence. Those years with Jim directing the choir and he and Jan leading and sharing their faith in so many ways brought us joy and laughter, a love for God and them!, sometimes tears of gratefulness, friendships, and a love for music that helped us share our faith in God. Jim definately allowed God to use his life, his sense of humor, his love for his wife Jan and his family - to shape the lives of a lot of young people. We are so thankful for them and what Jim and Jan have meant to our lives. We miss him with you, Linker Famiy.
With Great Appreciation, Bob and Miriam Miller

Marwan Nusair

March 17, 2022

I just recently thought of Jim Linker again, and how I missed him with his sense of humor and wit.

Marwan Nusair

March 25, 2019

Four years have passed and I miss Jim Linker at every stamp show I attend, as well as any time I am in Columbus, Ohio. I always stopped in and chatted and bought something, since his stamp store was so well-established that he seemed to have an inexhaustible supply of worldwide stamps. I have to say, however, that I enjoyed his conversation and sense of humor even more than the stamps and supplies that I bought. I miss him.

Dan Karant

January 30, 2016

Jan, I just became aware of Jim's passing. He will be greatly missed. Seeing both of you at the March Party in Cleveland was an annual event for me until recent years when my own business kept me out of my hobby. My former father-in-law, Ray Zunk, introduced me to you both. He said that I couldn't go wrong with you and Jim. I always trusted his advice. Some years, yours was the only booth I bothered visiting because of that relationship. Thanks for all the time spent and the care both of you gave me. You might remember me as the pharmacist from the Akron area.

Philip Milburn

November 6, 2015

Hello Jan.
We've never met. I grew up in Whitehall, OH and during the ages of 10 and maybe 13 I would ride my bike over to see Jim to buy/sell stamps. Those wonderful experiences with Jim were important in my life and I retain my stamp collection and memories of his kindness to a young collector to this day. In looking thru my collection with my kids, I was prompted to look Jim up and learned of his untimely passing. I'm very, very sorry. Warm regards to you and your family.

May 24, 2015

Jan, I just heard about your husband's death. It is a small world. An organist from West Jefferson came to New Philadelphia to play a wedding at my church. All I remember is his first name Chuck. He was excellent! In the course of conversation I asked if he knew you and he relayed the information that Jim had died. So I did some searching and found his obituary. I offer you my sympathy and will keep you in my prayers. I will send a longer note in the near future. Prayers for you and your family, Joan Goth (a former organ student)

Marwan Nusair

April 13, 2015

I was extremely saddened by the news of Jim's death and will miss him. I knew that his health had become problematic but did not realize that it was as serious as it turned out to be. My condolences to his loved ones, including Tim in Cincinnati, and his many friends.

Jim Bailley

April 4, 2015

Hi Jan,

My wife Judy learned of Jim's death through her sister-in-law Toni Eberhard, who was a CAPA colleague at the Ohio Theater where you played the organ. In fact, Toni took Judy on a tour of the theater one time while you were playing.

As Paul Shoup indicated, I alerted our 1964 Seminary classmates of Jim's death since a number of us lived together our senior year at Capital on the third floor of Renner Hall. As we recalled, Jim roomed with Dave Brobst in the corner room. Their room was a late-evening gathering place for playing cards and hearing fun stories--many from Jim himself. Many fond memories of Jim were shared in response to my message.

We are indeed saddened at the news of Jim's death, and pray God's deep comfort for you and the family in these difficult weeks without Jim.

Judy attempted unsuccessfully to discover Beth's address. Please extend our sympathy to her and Ron as well.

Peace in the Risen Lord,

Jim

Patricia Adams

March 30, 2015

My brother (Ronald Lamson), sister (Lois
Robertson) and I were so sorry to hear
that Jim is no longer with us in body;but, will be with those who knew him always. The time we at First United Methodist in Marlin, Texas, were
blessed to have you both participate in the church's music program will never be forgotten by those you both touched.

Paul Shoup

March 27, 2015

Jann, This is Paul Shoup from out in the state of Washington. I was saddened to read of Jim's death. I got the news through Jim Bailey. You may know that I lost DiAnne last December, so I too am learning about the whole grief process in a very real way. I wish you well and would love to be able to connect with you, if that works for you. [email protected] God's love and blessings to you on the journey that you are embarking.

March 27, 2015

On behalf of the Garfield Perry Stamp Club..we want to express our sincere condolences to Jan and family. Jim was a stalwart member of our extended family and simply a great guy. He will be missed !!

Greg and Sandy Edwards

March 26, 2015

Dear Jan, Jeff, and Tim,
What a precious friend Jim was to us! I am sorry for your loss, but can't help imagine the glorious reunion he is having with Jenny right now! He's probably telling some of his pearly gates jokes! We will miss him terribly, but look forward to joining the ultimate King's Way Singers Choir one day! In the meantime, we have so many wonderful memories of Jim to hold onto. We are praying for peace that passes all understanding for your family. Wish we could be there in person.

Gary Stewart

March 26, 2015

Jan,
So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He brightened many Sundays for me and I am very grateful for having known him. Wishing you peace and love in this difficult time...

Lisa Lawrence - Gregory

March 26, 2015

I am deeply saddened to hear the loss of Jim. To say the least, he was a Wonderful Man! He will be Greatly Missed by these of us who knew him. Jim and Jan had made a Great Impact on my life. Thanks for the memories!

Cliff Frey

March 26, 2015

My sympathies on Jim's passing. I flew on several of Jim's T-29 flights in Waco Texas as an Undergraduate Navigator Training student in 1963-4. Later, I usually visited his table at the stamp show held in Mason, Ohio usually 4 times per year. Regards, C. Frey, Col. USAF (Ret).

March 26, 2015

Jan, Jeff, Julie and family,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We are remembering good times we had in choir at First Church of the Nazarene. May God give you peace and good memories of Jim as we look forward to seeing him again in Heaven.
Love and prayers,

Michelle (Kuhn) Simons and Monica (Kuhn) Bruns

March 25, 2015

Jan-
We are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. You and your family will be in our thoughts often in the coming months.

-Lori, Jason, and AJ Stanley

Heather League

March 25, 2015

Jan,
We are so sorry for your loss. Jim was a talented musician and choir director. Prayers for you and your family in the coming weeks.

Theron and Heather League

March 25, 2015

Jan,
We were so sad to hear about Jim's passing. We had been praying for him, but didn't realize that his condition had changed. I was remembering back to when we first came to Trinity and Jim would always sit on the far right side of the sanctuary. He told us that it was because he wanted to keep an eye on you. He was always so sweet to us and usually ended the greeting with a joke of some sort. Please know that we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love and prayers, Larry and April Wharton

RIP

Herb USMC

March 25, 2015

Herb USMC

March 25, 2015

Navigator Instructer

Herb USMC

March 25, 2015

Herb USMC

March 25, 2015

Tom and Gail Zugger

March 25, 2015

Jan and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. May you find peace and love from family and friends as you move forward.

Herb Guyer-Sharfenaker USMC

March 25, 2015

God Bless/RIP,to ALL who served.Thank YOU for your service in The United States Air Force,Jim..... And Semper Fi.

David Eaton

March 25, 2015

Jan, I just found out last night about Jim's home going. My prayers will be with you in the days ahead that you will experience the peace of God that passes all understanding. Now we await the last trumpet which is promised to all who have their faith anchored in the Lord Jesus Christ. Love in Christ, Dave Eaton

Jeff Leonard

March 25, 2015

So very sorry to learn of Jim's passing. You are all in my thoughts.

Joy & Dan Henley

March 24, 2015

Dear Jan & family,

We were so very sorry to hear about Jim. We still remember you fondly from our time at Columbus First. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

March 24, 2015

Dear Jan,

Susan and I are sorry to hear of your loss. Though I did not know Jim very well, I enjoyed his company very much on the occasions when I did meet him. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!

- Robert Wisniewski, Columbus, Ohio

Marti Rideout

March 24, 2015

Dear Jan,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. We go through life knowing eventually this day will come, and no matter our faith journey, it still is a terrible human loss. I pray that your journey will be filled with a portion of that light and peace that passes all understanding as James now knows. Blessings.

Thom & Kathy Jacob

March 24, 2015

May our God of all comfort be with you during this time of grievous loss.

Jeff Goodwin

March 24, 2015

Jan & family,
I am so very sorry to hear that Jim has left us. May the prayers of your friends help you through this difficult time.

March 24, 2015

I made stamp purchases from Jim back in the 1960s and 70s while a student at Capital and at the Seminary. And I would look forward to seeing him from time to time at various shows to talk stamps, Columbus, Capital and church. I'll miss seeing him. Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him!
Pr. Rodney Juell, STS
Joliet, Illinois

March 24, 2015

Dear Jan, You and your Jim are such a part of my early memories at King Avenue UMC. Thank you for sharing your lives and love with all of us in choir and the congregation. The heavenly chorus will welcome a new member!!

Maxine Nelson

March 24, 2015

Dear Jan, May God's blessings be with your family in the passing of Jim

Maxine Nelson

March 24, 2015

Dear Jan, God be with you and your family in the passing of Jim.

Jim & Liz Shelton

March 24, 2015

Dear Jan & family, Our heartfelt sympathy and love are sent to you with much sadness. Jim was a delightful man and will be greatly missed.

Maxine Nelson

March 24, 2015

Dear Jan sorry about Jim's death. God be with you and your family.

Chuck Yannerella

March 24, 2015

Dear Jan,

I'm so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Jim was such a wonderful person with a great spirit. God's love and blessings be with you and your family.

Mary Miller

March 24, 2015

I thank God so often that Jim and you, Jan, were part of our lives in so many pivotal points. King's Way Singers allowed me to sing my way through college, and to meet most of my best college friends, including my husband, Carl. Then as newlyweds we found ourselves just a few blocks away from Jim and Jan's house (sorry about the snake!). Always Jim was there to share a funny story or joke, and to bring a smile to our faces. When Jenni died, Jim and Jan were such a strong example of Christian faith. When our own son, Jesse passed away, you came to support us through our hard time. Then, when our daughter went to OSU we were so happy to find you at Trinity, and for her to - just briefly- get to experience the warmth and joy that Jim brought to life.
I know that you all are going to miss Jim immensely, but I pray that the memories of the happy times and the joy he brought to others will sustain you through this time of loss.
Love,
Mary and Carl Miller

Ralph Walker

March 24, 2015

Jan, My heart goes out to you and the family. Peace be with you.

Barbara Gillum

March 24, 2015

Our family has fond memories of you and your family. We so enjoyed your music and the warm spirit your family extended to ours. We're sorry to hear of your loss and call out for comfort and peace for you all. Love from your Riesel, Texas friends, Don and Barbara Gillum, Darcy and Jeff

Bob and Miriam Miller

March 24, 2015

God blessed us with the precious life of your family many years ago. In my sadness in Jim's passing I see him bringing warmth to anyone near with his cute stories and jokes. I see like yesterday him leading King's Way Singers while Jan played; warming the hearts of Ohio State Students and Bob and I, as he raised up the Lord's name. We still have strong friendships from that time in our life; especially Jim and Jan. We love you Jan and know God will give you strength in these days along with your family. Bob and Miriam

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Look full in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace.

Jim, Jan, and Erica Pepper

March 24, 2015

Dear Jan and Family,

We were so sorry to learn of Jim's passing. Jim was a wonderful person. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Take care,

Lynn Roseberry

March 24, 2015

Dear Jan,
Everyone here in the Conservatory sends you our heartfelt sympathy. We are thankful that through you, we were blessed to know Jim. God Bless and Comfort you, Lynn Roseberry

Marshall Hall

March 24, 2015

Jan and Family. My Heart hurts for you I am sending up Many Prayers and love your way! Let us Know if you need anything Marshall Hall (Luzader Family)

Kathy Kildow

March 23, 2015

Jan, my deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Kathy Nutter

March 23, 2015

I am so sad to hear about Jim. What a terrific man who will leave such a void around here. Much love to you, Jan and may God's peace surround you.

March 23, 2015

Oh,Jan...what an ache in my heart. You and Jim were one of the beautiful couples that inspire all of us. Your love and devotion were so touching. Hugs and prayers. Laura Roberts

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