James A. Lindner

― Daniel Wallace, Big Fish

James Anthony Lindner lived a life full of love, altruism, and adventure. He always had a story of the past that somehow tied into a current circumstance at the ready. These stories were spiced into our lives and often seen by us as tall tales or myths. We'd only ever known our father as he was in our lifetime, and even this was more than we could fully comprehend. However, as we begin to sort through his incredible life, we have come to find tidbits, fragments, and remarkable corroboration of these truths. His family has come together, beginning to heal as we finally weave his story together.

He truly was the man behind his legends. His story is remarkable but could never be fully told in so many words.

He was born in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, and grew up alongside his parents, Jack and Donna Lindner and his seven siblings John, Richard, Gina, Cindy, Robert, and Laurie in a small town called Sugar Camp that he spoke of fondly. He often reminisced about swimming in Mill lake, caring for animals, and even fencing on an Olympic-level team.

In 1967, at the age of 17, with permission from his father, he joined the US Army. He trained in Texas and was stationed in Turkey for a time, where he skied barefoot in the Black Sea. He saw parts of the Vietnam War, studied as a medic, and was stunning in his uniform.

There is a time after his service that clues fade. Names, pictures, and tales cannot be placed. We mention this time because these mysteries are equally a part of him and surely to many others unknown to us.

Following his longtime friend, he moved to New Hampshire, where he attended college. He was a brilliant man and a lifelong learner. It was here that he also married and had five children; Jennifer Lindner, Christine (David) Miller, Kelly Hughes, Andrew (Tiffiny) Lindner, and Sean (Danielle) Lindner.

He coached swimming and diving at the college level throughout young adulthood, played and refereed a local basketball league, and ran a local men's discussion group supporting those in need. In addition, he was a gifted electronics engineer and worked for Markem for almost 40 years, where he befriended some truly remarkable people.

His infectious laugh that began in his belly and resonated to those around him, his soulful singing, and his lost-in-the-moment humming of a beautiful tune is often recounted by those who knew and loved him. He also had a passion for music, always humming a tune or dancing to a beat.

In 1998 he welcomed his preteen and teenage children back home, making many sacrifices to provide for our wonderful life. He raised us to be resilient, compassionate, empathetic, and driven – his best qualities. He was always there for anyone in need. Whether it was a breakfast feast, a place to stay, tutoring or tech support, or simply a listening ear- he gave with everything he had. We lived a life of comfort, support, and many laughs with him.

Each grandchild came to hold a special place in his heart; Betzy Mills, Taylor Miller, Maddox Miller, Cyrus Hughes, Keaton Hughes, Greta Manley, Charlotte Miller, Emilia Lindner, Oren Manley, Emmet Lindner. He endlessly adored and supported each of them in their own way. He traveled to their sports and concerts, played cribbage after school, or laughed as we tried to discipline them. Vacationing was a large part of his life, and he loved to be surrounded by family and share that with us. Time together was so important to him. We built memories that will last forever from Florida, Hawaii, Vegas, or quick weekend aways.

Our father lived many lifetimes of stories, memories that seemed larger than life. He saw the world, lived a courageous and charitable life, and knew his share of tragedy and adversity. Family and friends were the most important thing to him, and we surrounded him as he passed. His legacy will be remembered as a true patriarch, friend, and father to all of us.

He held many dear to his heart, those that became his family.

Our hearts are with you all.