Birth date: Jun 25, 1940 Death date: Jan 27, 2026
Obituary for Jim Linnen, of Lewes, DE James “Jim” Robert Linnen, Col. Ret., passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, with his beloved wife, Gaby, by his side. Jim was born June 25, 1940, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, to Robert a Read Obituary
Our first memories of Jim were so indicative of the kind, considerate person he was. Jim was our sponsor when Freddy was stationed in Ansbach and he got up at 4:00 AM so he could meet our plane at Frankfort and drive us to our new post. He felt that having us end an overnight flight to Germany by taking a train to Ansbach was too much so he meet us in person. That was a great introduction to Jim, Germany and to service in the 1st AD.
Fred and Linda Wirth
We remember Jim for the gentle man he was in life, how he loved his family beyond measure and how our friendship spanned the many years we knew him. We will miss him on this earth but he will always be with us in our hearts. We wish peace of heart to Gaby, to Jim’s son Patrick and to JIm’s daughter Katherine and her family during this difficult time.
I’ve attached a photo of our families together in Belgium in 2012. We would always make an effort to meet whenever we were in the same part of the world.
Rest in peace, Jim. We will miss you.
Don & Gail Dubay
We met Jim and Gaby in 1976 when as a brand new Captain and family we transferred to Germany. Small town folks, we were overwhelmed being in a foreign country, but with amazing luck, I had Jim as my boss. Professionally, but mostly personally, we had the greatest mentors possible. We know Jim had an awesome life and contributed so much to everyone around him, the Army and our country - and along with Gaby, especially to us.
Our dear friend Jim has left us, but we remain here celebrating the amazing person that he was. For me, especially, I was so happy to hear his stories and listen to his beautiful classical music. Dan and I enjoyed the best gin and tonics, specially made by him, which made us fall in love with this drink. We always reference Jim when we have one. And, in his honor, we will now have two!
I was so happy to host him during his visit to Italy and include him in our wine adventures with Katherine. What I am most grateful for is that, thanks to Jim and Gaby, I have a friend and sister for life. I wish I could be with her now, but I will be soon.
Jim, thank you for the small moments we shared; they are treasures that I will carry with me proudly for the rest of my life.
Nancy
This comes to me as very sad news. I didn't have many mentors in my military career but Jim Lennon was one of them. I respected him very much for his intelligence, humor, and love of his country, his family, and those who worked and served with him. On one particular mission where I was serving as his operations officer, he defended my decisions against some very meddlesome senior officers, the only time I ever saw Jim angry enough to get into some serious conflict with his superiors. But, as usual, his calm demeanor came forth and he resolved the issue. He encouraged my controversial decision to write a book about our service in a unit that was one of the first in the military to perform operations security missions. I think he admired the vagabond group of captains and majors he inherited when he assumed command and we retuned that ten fold. As he taught me through example, I continued to perform duties as retired military should, serving our communities in many ways. He was a remarkable man and will be missed.
Gaby and family,
Mr. Jim was the sweetest. I am glad I had the honor of caring for him. I looked very forward to seeing him every shift. Hugs and prayers to all of you during these difficult times.
