James Clair Linhart, Jr.

james linhart, jr.

January 16, 1931 ~ March 4, 2019

James Clair Linhart, Jr., 88, of Geneva, passed away peacefully March 4, 2019 at Tidewell Hospice House in Palmetto, FL. He was born January 16, 1931 in Lebanon, PA to James C. and Madeline A. (Baum) Linhart, Sr. He married Valerie Anne Ivory in Geneva on October 13, 1954. James was a 1949 graduate of Geneva High School and graduated from University of West Virginia, Phi Beta Kappa member, with a Master’s degree in 1966. He was also a U.S. Army veteran, serving in Korea during the Korean Conflict. He worked for Geneva and Madison Schools as a Media Specialist retiring from Madison Schools in 1990. He served on the Geneva School Board 12 years, serving as president at one time; member of Geneva Rotary Club, receiving a Paul Harris Fellow Award and he implemented his community Homeowners Association at Geneva on the Lake. His favorite things in life were family and traveling, often times together. After retirement and moving to Florida, he traveled extensively with his wife and friends throughout Europe, Alaska and the Caribbean. James is survived by his wife of 64 years, Valerie; daughter Sandy (Raymond) King; sons Richard C. (Vee) Linhart and Kenneth C. (Courtney) Linhart; five grandchildren and sister Nancy (C. Ray) Preston. He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Raymond T. “RT” King, Jr. Family will receive friends Monday March 11, 2019 from 11am to 1pm at Behm Family Funeral Home, 175 S. Broadway Geneva. A funeral service will immediately follow visitation at 1:00 pm in the funeral home. Final resting place will be Evergreen Cemetery, Geneva, where military honors will be presented by V.F.W. Post 6846. Friends may leave condolences online at www.behmfuneral.com

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  1. Dear Mrs Linhart, Sandy, Rick, and Kenny, Our deepest condolence. I remember the wonderful time we had together when Mr Linhart cooked dinner for us. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Love and Prayers Lenita Tiong

  2. Vee, Rick, Andrew n family, deepest condolence to you all. You are all in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. From, Wendy, Alex n family, Malaysia

  3. I can't imagine my life without spending summers at Geneva on the lake with Uncle Jim, Aunt Val, Sandy, Rick and Ken. I remember one summer night when Uncle Jim had Sandy and I sitting on a park bench outside the old liquor store and he put some promotional “beer tap” suction cups on our foreheads! We sat there like mannequins as people stopped and stared. It was Uncle Jim's great advertising scheme to attract customers. I don't know if it worked, but I can still see the grin on his face! On a Florida trip when my son was very young, I remember how animated Uncle Jim was when he took us on a grand tour of Horseshoe Cove on his golf cart. My son loved it! Uncle Jim was treated like royalty by all of his neighbors that greeted us along the way. On one of my last trips to the lake with my mom and my sisters, he arranged for us to stay in a cottage next door on Mapleton Beach. It was just like old times, sharing stories, Madsen donuts, great outdoor BarBQs and sunsets at the Beach. And in his inimitable bellow, at 3:00 pm sharp, Uncle Jim would announce that it was time for “cocktails!” He was always the consummate, entertaining host! Family was everything to Uncle Jim, and not just his immediate family. He was always so supportive of my mom during the time they all spent together in Florida and with my family over the years and during some especially difficult times. Uncle Jim was bigger than life and he seemed to savor every minute of it. I will miss him terribly but I will cherish the memories he created for me and my family over the years. To my dear Aunt Val, Sandy, Theo, Rick, Vee, Ken, Courtney and to all of the grandkids, sending you all our deepest sympathies and much love. I am sorry I am not able to be there with you. Steve, Vicki and Caden

  4. Thank you Uncle Jim for being such a positive influence in our lives. While your stories made us laugh and learn at the same time, your love for all of us was overwhelming. I'll continue to share your love for boating and fishing with my family. You are truly a wonderful and special man who we will never forget. Love, Brad, Cindy, Chase and Claire

  5. Our deepest condolence to the Linhart family as you go through this difficult time. We pray for God's strength and peace to be with each one of you today. Keeping you all in prayers. Much love, Kaylee & Alwyna

  6. To Rich Linhart and family, Rich, sorry to hear of loss of your father. You, and your family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Hope to see you again one day soon. Michael Covelli


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