Jim Linnane Passes - Another Ohio Judo Pioneer Lost

Jim Linnane Loses Battle With Cancer

Another Judo Pioneer of Ohio Passes

Jim Linnane, a long time contributor to Judo in Ohio and the Midwest, passed on Friday, September 24, 2021 as a result of colon cancer.  He had a long and very successful career as a Judoka, having significant achievements as a competitor, coach and referee. 

Jim started Judo in 1950 at the Springfield YMCA, Springfield, Ohio.  National Judo was in its infancy then and in the Midwest good instruction and competition required a lot of travel.  Jim was promoted to Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) in 1962 and continued to progress through the ranks, having attained the rank of Shichidan (7th Degree Black Belt).  During his competitive

career, he competed and placed at many major regional and several national events.  He also competed in the 1964 Olympic Trials in NYC.  Later, Jim competed in several Kata competitions and provided assistance to many, many tournaments as a referee.

As the Chief Instructor for more than 60 years at the Springfield YMCA and Shudokan Judo Clubs, Jim has coached many outstanding players, including Stan Connors, Rick Trego, John Bavendam, Tim & Tom Jones, Mike Lancaster and Rhonda Morrell-Pruitt as examples.  He also helped coach Judy Baker and Linda Stoops-Saam on their way to winning the overall National Kata Championships in 1971.

            Jim (center) next to Kotani Sensei at                               Sensei Jim Linnane 
            1967 Kotani Clinic at WPAFB, Ohio  

     
                            Jim with 1992 Olympian Grace Jividen after presenting
          Rokudan promotion to Russ Scherer at Kettering Rec Center (Ohio) in 2015

Sensei Linnane has contributed a lot to our sport and Judo as a Martial Art, especially in Ohio and throughout the Midwest.  We will miss him dearly, but know that his influence and guidance will live on through our memories and the many individuals he trained and guided throughout his career.

Funeral Arrangements are as follows:

Friday, October 1, 2021
     Visitation - 9:00AM-10:30AM
     Burrial Mass - 10:30AM

St. Raphael Church
225 E. High Street
Springfield, Ohio

To view Jim's Obituary click HERE