Gentleman James (Jim) Lynch, UPDATE: Celebration of Life Services

[Louis Rankin]

These kind of posts are never easy to publish.  It is with a sad and distraught heart that I inform the members of Stunt Hangar that Jim Lynch passed away yesterday afternoon.  He had been battling prostate and bone cancer for several years.

I have no information on arrangements or preferred sentiments.  Will post that information as soon as it is made available.

Jim was loved by all who had the pleasure to meet him.  He loved God, family, friends, fishing, and finishing model airplanes.  His presence and sage advice will be greatly missed.


The James D. Lynch Celebration of Life will be Saturday, March 18th at the Cherry Road Baptist Church, 1421 Cherry Road, Memphis, TN 38117.  Visitation starts at 1pm with the Memorial Service starting at 2pm.

 In lieu of flowers you may send donations in Jim’s name to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.  Cards may be sent to Joann Lynch and Family, 1249 West Perkins, Memphis, TN 38117.

 There are many people that knew and loved Jim very personally.  I spent all day Friday contacting those on the list given to me.  I do sincerely hope that no one felt left out if they were not personally notified.  In all my life I never met a man who was so genuinely loved by so many people.

[Dan McEntee]

These kind of posts are never easy to publish.  It is with a sad and distraught heart that I inform the members of Stunt Hangar that Jim Lynch passed away yesterday afternoon.  He had been battling prostate and bone cancer for several years.

I have no information on arrangements or preferred sentiments.  Will post that information as soon as it is made available.

Jim was loved by all who had the pleasure to meet him.  He loved God, family, friends, fishing, and finishing model airplanes.  His presence and sage advice will be greatly missed.

   I could not put it any better. Jim's loss is a big hole in life that will be difficult to fill. No words are really adequate.
      R.I.P Jim,
  Dan McEntee

[Zuriel Armstrong]

Well done Lou. Jim will be missed.

[Mike Griffin]

I knew Jim from going to contests in the past and he was an extremely good person and always willing to talk about anything.  I am very saddened to hear this. 

Mike

[Tim Stagg]

This is very sad news. I met Jim at my first Brodak contest and always look forward to reuniting with him. He was a great gentle man.

Rest in peace Jim

[Bob Hunt]

I first met Jim Lynch at the 1972 King Orange Internats in Jacksonville, Florida. He was flying what I believe was the first of his very original Volunteer series of Stunt models. The next time I saw Jim was at the 1974 Nats in Lake Charles, and he was again flying a Volunteer. Only this time he was really flying it. Jim had improved dramatically in the two years between those contests, and he continued to improve for the next several years. His models were always immaculate in building quality and in finish. I'll never forget his gorgeous Al Rabe-designed Bearcat at the 1976 Nats. He placed a very credible 6th that year against some very stiff competition. I know that he was very proud of that placing.

Jim and I became good friends in those years, and we kept in touch ever since. I last spoke with Jim a few weeks ago, and  he seemed to be in a very good place. He knew his days were numbered, but in typical Jim Lynch fashion he just wanted to know what I was doing and what I was building. He loved model airplanes, but he loved people even more. And, he loved all people. Jim had a very deep faith in God and in Jesus Christ, and I know that he is with them now. And, if there is a flying field in heaven, the quality of the models there just went up significantly.

Godspeed Jim Lynch, you were one of a kind.

Bob Hunt

 

[Dennis Leonhardi]

Ouch.  Never met or talked with Jim, but found a photo of one of his Volunteers several years ago and still have it.  Everything I've seen him photographed with is visually stunning.

Condolences to his family and friends, best wishes for great flying weather every day now.

Dennis

[Paul Taylor]

He was my coach and Mentor, but most of all he was my friend. He taught me a lot about this great hobby and more about life.
He and Momma Jo are like family to me.
He is in Gods hands now.
And today was his birthday. 😢

[Dave_Trible]

So sad he has left us.  His last Nats 2018.

[Joe Gilbert]

Wonderful man ,he will be missed ,love to mama Jo and family.

[Dennis Adamisin]

Such sad news. First net Jim and his "Volunteer" at the '74 NATs. Saw Jim several times ove the years, at the NATs, at Brodak, at a Team Trials and other meets.  Always a perfect gentleman with an enthusiastic outlook and strong supporting instinct.  Last talked to him last fall, while he was in the middle of his final ordeal, but you would have never guessed it from the way he sounded.

God speed, fair winds and tight lines my friend...

EDIT: Larry Fruits asked me to post these photos of Jim & friends...
* File JL1 is Jim & JoAnn Lynch with Charles & Nancy Reeves
* File JL2 is Jim handing Sam Londke his first(?) Stunt Trophy
* File JL3 is Jim with good buddy Paul Taylor

[Kreth]

Have missed flying with Jim since we moved from Collierville.  Have talked to him on the phone a couple of times,but haven’t seen him in 3 or 4 years.  He will be missed by all who ever met him.  Godspeed!

[Matt Colan]

Only got to meet Jim at El Dorado in 2016,  it he was an absolute gentleman, really enjoyed the time I got to spend with him! Really sad to read this!

[Will Hinton]

Awww, man, this hurts!  I first met Jim when I helped judge appearance at the nats and immediately knew him as a great person and friend.  Prayers for the family, including SH family of his!

[john e. holliday]

It is sad to hear this news.  I can't remember meeting him but have read a lot about him and his planes.  yes he will be missed but is in a better place.

[Joe Ed Pederson]

I met Jim the last two times they had the Paducah contest.

I think it was the first year I was there that I briefly watched Jim build a whole new rudder (in place) on a Nobler for someone who had come to the contest.  It was on Friday and I'm guessing the engine on the Nobler quit inverted with insufficient speed and/or altitude to get back upright. 

Anyway, in Charlie Reeves' basement, it was a marvel to behold Jim rebuild the rudder from some of Charlie's scrap balsa faster than I could have built one from a lazer cut kit.   But more importantly, it showed his character.   He threw himself into helping someone else be able to fly the next day at the contest.  In my brief interaction with Jim, it was readily apparent that that was just the kind of guy he was and would have done the same for anybody.


Rest in peace, Jim.


Joe Ed Pederson





 

[Louis Rankin]

The James D. Lynch Celebration of Life will be Saturday, March 18th at the Cherry Road Baptist Church, 1421 Cherry Road, Memphis, TN 38117.  Visitation starts at 1pm with the Memorial Service starting at 2pm.

 In lieu of flowers you may send donations in Jim’s name to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.  Cards may be sent to Joann Lynch and Family, 1249 West Perkins, Memphis, TN 38117.

 There are many people that knew and loved Jim very personally.  I spent all day Friday contacting those on the list given to me.  I do sincerely hope that no one felt left out if they were not personally notified.  In all my life I never met a man who was so genuinely loved by so many people.

[goozgog]

Jim was a bright spirit.

-K.

[Louis Rankin]

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/dailymemphian/name/james-lynch-obituary?id=50502221