James Robert Linnen, retired Army colonel
James “Jim” Robert Linnen, Col. (Ret.), passed away peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, with his beloved wife, Gaby, by his side.
Jim was born June 25, 1940, in Fond du Lac, Wis., to Robert and Katherine (Markofski) Linnen. The oldest of four boys, he spent his early years in Waupun, Wis., serving as an altar boy, delivering newspapers, and working at the local canning factory during the summers.
At 13, he was accepted to St. Francis Minor Seminary in Milwaukee, where he went on to graduate as valedictorian of his class, achieving the second-highest grades in the school’s history. After high school, he moved to Green Bay to attend St. Norbert College and participated in the ROTC program. After graduating with a degree in psychology, he accepted a commission in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the newly developed branch of Military Intelligence.
Having studied German for eight years, he volunteered for his first assignment in Augsburg, Germany, in 1962. It was in Augsburg that he met his future wife, Gaby, who was a translator for the Army Corps of Engineers at the time. The time spent in Germany was very formative and cemented his lifelong love for Gaby, Augsburg, classical music, history and travel. They were married in Augsburg in August 1964, famously with three anniversary dates due to the rules for civil and church weddings.
Jim served proudly in the Army for 30 years with his wife, Gaby, by his side. They had a son, Patrick, in 1965, and a daughter, Katherine, in 1967. Jim completed two tours in Vietnam and experienced countless moves that included Maryland, Kentucky, Kansas, and, of course, several tours in Germany. He also continued his education with a master’s degree in literature from Johns Hopkins, as well as service schools at Fort Leavenworth, Carlisle, and the FBI Academy.
After 30 years of service, Jim retired from the U.S. Army with the rank of colonel, his final assignment being chief of counterintelligence for the Army. His record was distinguished and decorated, and he was always known to be a strong, fair, and supportive leader and mentor. Following his military retirement, Jim spent 10 additional years serving the government in a Military Intelligence position at the Pentagon.
Jim and Gaby retired to Lewes in 2002 after moving and traveling the world. Lewes was one of his favorite places, having spent many summers and vacations at Fort Miles in Cape Henlopen State Park. Retirement was filled with travel in Europe and throughout the U.S. Visiting his four granddaughters wherever they resided was one of his favorite things to do. He was a wonderful grandfather and was able to help and enjoy watching them grow into strong, capable young women.
In retirement, aside from traveling, Jim enjoyed serving his community. He was an active member of Lewes Historical Society, where he regularly gave trolley tours. He helped organize the annual Strawberry Festival for many years; an event held primarily in appreciation of the many volunteers for Lewes Historical Society. Additionally, he volunteered his time serving on the Lewes Planning Commission, where he was known to carefully review proposals, often noting important issues that the lawyers had missed.
Jim enjoyed listening to classical music, reading the paper, visiting antique stores, and collecting antiques. He particularly enjoyed collecting classical records, Swedish glass, and watches. Most of all, he loved being with his wife of 61 years, Gaby. They enjoyed visiting Cape Henlopen State Park to view the deer and osprey almost every afternoon when they were in town.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and his younger brother, John. He is survived by his wife, Gaby; his son, Patrick Linnen; his daughter, Katherine Linnen Czarnik, her husband Jim, and their four daughters Sasha, Maddie, Paige and Bella; as well as his two remaining brothers, Tom and Patrick, and their families.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 17, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends and family may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Chapel committal services will follow at 2 p.m., at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro.
Any donations may be made to Lewes Public Library, lewes.lib.de.us/support-us.
Visit Mr. Linnen’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
