James Ralph Linson Jr.

James Ralph Linson Jr. affectionately known as “Junior” was born in Rockwood, TN, on September 16, 1947 to the late James Ralph Linson Sr. and Willie Jo Eskridge. James departed this life Friday, October 10, 2025.

James attended Pearl High School in Nashville, TN.  He retired from Miami Valley Hospital after 30 years of service where he served as a maintenance technician.  He was a chef at Cracker Barrel in Harriman. He worked in janitorial services at Rockwood Middle School, Rockwood High School and Midtown School until his health began to fail. He loved to cook and grill. James was active in the neighborhood watch community. He enjoyed participating in recreational sports when he was employed at Miami Valley Hospital.

James loved The Most High and was a faithful member of Speight Chapel AME Zion Church in Rockwood TN.  He served as a Deacon, sang in the church choir, was a trustee, a faithful member of the men’s bible study, and a devotional leader. He was also a member of the intercessory prayer group and loved to pray for family and church family.

James was an avid outdoorsman. He was a master landscaper working in yards planting flowers and lawn maintenance for him and many others. In addition to gardening.

Along with his parents, James was also preceded in death by his grandparents Harry William Linson and Lena Linson Cooper “Mama Lena”; brothers, Bobby Ray Linson and Harry Alvin Shirley.

James leaves to cherish his memory son, Anthony William (Rionna) Linson, Dayton, OH; daughter, Stacie Dawn (Jerome Sr.) Shepherd, Dayton , OH; brothers, Johnny Frank Linson, Knoxville TN, Freddie Lee Linson, Chattanooga, TN, Vincient Shirley, Ambridge, PA; sisters, Jessie Mae Hughes, Harriman TN, Bonita Chestnutt, Jeannette PA, Kathie (Lester) Ashley, Abingdon, MD; grandchildren, Jerome Shepherd Jr., Jeremiah Shepherd, Jamaal Linson; great granddaughter, Abigail Shepherd; former spouse, Savannah Linson; special friend, Pamela Roddy; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral service 10 am Monday, October 20, 2025 at House of Wheat Funeral Home, 2107 N. Gettysburg Ave., Dayton, OH. Visitation 9 am at which time family will receive friends. Interment Woodland Cemetery.

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