Service: 10:30am Fri. October 1st, 2021
Location: St. Raphael Catholic Church
LINNANE, James J., 88, of Springfield, passed away Friday, September 24, 2021 in Hearth and Home on Harding Rd. He was born August 10, 1933 in Cleveland, Ohio the son of the late Frank and Erma (Kohn) Linnane. In his youth he was employed by the E.W. Fulmer Markets of Springfield, Ohio. He graduated from Springfield Catholic Central High School in 1952 and went on to serve for two years in the US Army where he attended Military Police School at Camp Gordon, Georgia before receiving an honorable discharge in 1955. In 1960 he was a manager of the Springfield YMCA Health Club, was a licensed Massage Therapist and later was appointed as the Y Youth Director and subsequently as the Y Athletic Director. He was an avid handball player and was chairman of the Springfield Handball Club for many years. He practiced Judo since 1951 and later became an instructor. Jim had a Black Belt in both Judo and Jiujitsu. In 1964 he was selected to compete in the US Olympic Judo Trials at the New York Worlds Fair. He was vice-president of the Ohio Judo Board, a subsidiary of the National Judo Body. He also sat on the Ohio Judo promotion committee and refereed Judo tournaments for 45 years. He retired from the YMCA in 1980 and went to work at the Springfield Racquet Club until 2011. He is survived by a brother and several nieces and nephews. The John Kelly family was his very close friends and relations. He valued this relationship very much. A special thank you to Joe and Heidi Kelly and the staff at Hearth and Home for all of their assistance. A visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:30 am in St. Raphael Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 in the church. Burial will follow in St. Bernard Cemetery. Due to the current pandemic, masks are recommended. Donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements by CONROY FUNERAL HOME.
Condolences
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My deepest condolences to Jim's family. At 9 years old, I began my Judo training at the YMCA around 1963, with Sensei Linnane as the main teacher. He was a wonderful man and very influential in my life.
- Cliff Collins, Thursday November 18th, 2021Jim was a second father to many of us. I too was in the Jr. Leaders Program under Jim’s direction. When my father passed when I was just 12, Jim was the very 1st person that I called. His life lesions will remain with me until my last breath upon this earth. My favorite Linnane quote was: “Two wrongs don’t make a right.” Jim, you will live in our hearts, minds, and souls forever. God speed my dear friend, Bobby Baker
- Robert “Bobby” Q. Baker, Tuesday October 5th, 2021My deepest sympathy for all who knew and loved Uncle Jim. He had many accomplishments and lived a wonderful life. I wish I had the opportunity to get to know him better. May God grant all who knew and loved him peace and comfort and may Uncle Jim Rest In Heavenly Peace! Blessings! Kathy
- Kathy Linnane Sweeney, Saturday October 2nd, 2021What can I say, after over 60 years of deep friendship, traveling together to many judo tournaments, I miss our phone calls and hearing your voice and the " O-sensei greeting. I give thanks for being part of my life. RIP
- Don, Speakman, Friday October 1st, 2021Jim was like a second father to me. He recruited me in 6th grade to join the Junior Leaders club which I was part of until I graduated high school. For another 2 years I was Assistant Physical Director under Jim until I joined the Navy. He was a great role model and wonderful friend.
- Joseph Sean Conklin, Thursday September 30th, 2021Jim was a dear friend mentor teacher and coach to me since practically my birth. From the Judo mats in the 70's and 80's and the Springfield Tennis Leaders Club at the YMCA to The Springfield racket club. Jim was always a gentleman of kindness and integrity who you knew at the drop of a hat could have you on the mat pinned down. Thank you for all you gave to me and my family. You will always be in out hearts.
- Patrick Beckel, Wednesday September 29th, 2021Jim was a long time Judo friend (since 1970) who was always willing to help where his assistance was needed. He was a kind and thoughtful person, with a lot of integrity. We will miss Jim, but his impact will remain through the many lives he touched. Our condolences go out to his extended family and many friends.
- Russ and Janice Scherer, Tuesday September 28th, 2021Jimmy. I’ll forever remember our times (Many) on the mat. Your knowledge of Martial Arts passed to so many ! We were friends most of our lives - Travel your new pathway joyfully your spirit will remain with me always. William Beach 8th Dan
- William Beach, Tuesday September 28th, 2021
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