James Mark Linthacum, 83, of Bethany, Mo passed away Saturday, April 23, 2016.
Jim was a man of faith, a farmer and a family man.
As a young boy Jim went to a one room school house called Oak Grove. He then went to Bethany high school for 4 years where he had to walk 2 miles to get to the bus. His worst subject in school was English and he said he could hardly pass the class. Jim’s favorite and best subject was math. After graduation he attended the University of Missouri where he graduated with a degree in Agriculture. He joined the Army ROTC during college. He was called to active duty on February 27, 1955 right after the Korean War. Jim was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and Puerto Rico and was honorably discharged as a Second Lieutenant in February 1957.
He dated several girls while he was in the Army, but none of them was the one for him, so he prayed to God and asked him to send him the girl he was to marry. Pretty soon here she came, driving down the road in her red car. Jim married Mary Ellen Woodward in the fall of 1961. They had 4 boys: Michael James, Gregory Mark, Joseph Lynn and Thomas Dean. As a young family, church was very important and they were active members of Prairie Chapel. Jim served as superintendent of the church and taught Sunday School for many years. Jim and Mary Ellen participated in mission trips to Brazil. The family also attended Bethany First Baptist Church for several yeas. Recently, Jim attended Ridgeway Baptist Church as well.
Jim dreamed as a young boy of being a farmer and he accomplished this goal. He was a dedicated hard worker and also very generous. He helped many people over the years. Jim helped put crops in for farmers in distress, helped young farmers get started, and paid bills for a few when they simply couldn’t. He never asked nor expected anything in return. His favorite part of farming was the production and being his own boss. His favorite season was Harvest season. He said it was more fun making the money. Those who knew Jim well knew he loved a good debate and liked playing cards with his buddies. He also never stopped until he had the last word in.
Jim was very proud of his family. His four boys grew up and gave him 11 grandchildren, 9 boys and 2 girls. He said God must have had a lot of faith in him to give him all these boys and precious girls. Jim recently said his hope for his family was that they try to do what God wants them to do and that they see Happiness. He said if they do the first, the second will automatically happen. Jim’s regret in life is that he never became a pilot and he wished he had helped his wife more.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Mark Linthacum and Roberta McCoy Linthacum and his wife Mary Ellen. He is survived by his brother Bill Linthacum, and his sons Mike Linthacum and wife Tonya of Columbia, Greg Linthacum of Ridgeway, Joe Linthacum and wife Angie of Bartlesville OK, and Thomas Linthacum and wife Sarah of Ridgeway and 9 grandsons and 2 granddaughters.
We are asking for those who have a story to tell about Jim to please jot it down and send it to tlinthacum@hotmail.com as we are making a book for his grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 28 at Prairie Chapel, Bethany, MO. Burial with military rites will follow in Prairie Chapel Cemetery, under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Harrison County Cancer Transportation Fund in care of Roberson Funeral Home, PO Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com