James J. Linus OBITUARY

James J. Linus OBITUARY

James Joseph Linus, aged 95, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Edna and James Linus on February 18th, 1930, is a shining example of a good man. He was the center of his family’s universe, and they were the center of his. His accomplishments in sport, education, law, public service, and business were vast, but he would not want them to be listed here. The accomplishments that truly mattered to him were those of his family. As a husband, to his wife, Sylvia, for 70 years, his love, faith, and commitment set an example for his family to follow. As a father, he supported his children endlessly, a constant unwavering ally. As a grandfather, he was a true friend and an excellent confidant to his grandchildren, to whom he always extended the strictest attorney-client privileges. As a great-grandfather, his capacity to love only grew larger, always helping to make their early lives magical.

He became the first in his family to attend college following recruitment to play football for the University of Miami in 1950. This allowed him to earn his law degree and eventually become a member of the Florida Bar Association for 65 years. His favorite quote came from the poem Invictus, which his family knows well: “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul”. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, November 30th. The world is a better place for him having lived and participated in it. His life serves as a reminder that the greatest gift we have to share is our time and presence with those we love. His Christian beliefs, family values, stories, and memories he instilled in us will live on in the generations to come.

James is survived by his wife, Sylvia; his children, Kimberlee Stiles, Jim Linus (Kathy), Matthew Linus, and Addie Jo Gwin (John); grandchildren, Jessica Linus Watford (John-Alan), Ainsley Schneider (Chris), Jimmy Linus (Julia), Lott Gwin (Mary Katherine), Luke Gwin, Benjamin Stiles, Catherine Stiles, and Matthew Gwin; and great-grandchildren, Adalyn and Declan Schneider, Sylvie and June Watford.

A private Celebration of Life will be on Sunday, December 7th, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged in James’s name to Shiloh Youth Ranch of Sebastian, FL or Society of The Holy Child Jesus of Philadelphia, PA.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach, FL. An online guestbook is available at www.lowtherfamily.com