James (Jim) Edward Lynn, 88, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 14, 2025, in Vancouver, Washington.
Jim was born on June 19, 1937, in Des Moines, Iowa, and grew up in Newton, Iowa. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in Art from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, an early reflection of a creative talent that would remain a defining part of his life.
On June 29, 1963, Jim married Linda Rae Jacobs. They were married for 62 years. After their marriage, the couple moved to Pasadena, California, and later to Northern California, where they raised their two daughters. During those years, they lived in multiple locations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, remodeling homes along the way.
Jim was a business owner and mechanical estimator in the mechanical contracting industry, working for several companies, including Scott Company and Linford Mechanical, and finally Marelich Mechanical, where he was a co-owner. He took great pride in his work and the quality of what he produced. Over the course of his career, he worked on several large-scale building projects, including the San Francisco Airport and the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory.
In 1960, Jim joined the U.S. Army. After his release from active duty, he completed his military service with the Iowa National Guard.
After retiring in 1997, Jim and Linda moved back to Newton, Iowa, to care for his uncle and aunt, Dan and Etha Brady. In 2011, they relocated to Battle Ground, Washington, to be closer to their daughters and granddaughters. In 2023, they moved to Ridgefield, Washington, where Jim lived until his passing.
Jim was a lifelong learner and deeply dedicated to his interests. After retirement, he spent years immersed in genealogy, researching and documenting family history through records, letters, and photographs that spanned hundreds of years. His research took him across the United States and into Europe.
Art remained a central part of Jim’s life. After retiring, he devoted countless hours to woodworking and painting, continually challenging himself to master new techniques and mediums. His creativity lives on through the many wooden bowls, sculptures, paintings, and other works he created over the years.
Jim was also active throughout his life. He wrestled in high school and college, played tennis during his daughters’ childhoods, later took up racquetball and golf, and in retirement became an avid pickleball player. In his final years, he went to the gym almost daily, maintaining a routine that reflected his dedication and discipline.
In addition to art and sports, Jim was an active stock trader throughout his adult life.
Jim is survived by his wife, Linda Rae Jacobs; his daughters, Brenda Lynn Kring (Jeff Kring) and Jodie Lynn Poletiek (Jay Poletiek); and his granddaughters, Roxanne Kring and Victoria Poletiek. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Arthur “Pop” Lynn and Frances Adene Lynn, and his sisters, Marjorie Stano and Judy Van Wyngarden.
Jim was known as a hard worker, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a man who approached his work, art, and athletic pursuits with determination and pride. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him. His final resting place will be his hometown of Newton, Iowa.
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