James Lynn
James R. Lynn, age 86, of Eagle River, Wisconsin, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital after complications of old age including diabetes and heart disease.
James Richard Lynn was born on April 20, 1940, in Michigan to Dolores Abernathy and Robert "Jay Lynn" Lynch.
Jim attended Cass Technical High School in Detroit where he was active in ROTC. He proudly served his country for 8 years in the US Air Force as a medic, including a tour in Peshawar, Pakistan in the 1960’s.
He was very proud that two of his brothers followed him into the Air Force. Jim then attended college using GI Bill funds, getting a business degree from Wayne State University. He worked as an internal auditor for Montgomery Wards and Carson Pirie Scott stores. Jim was an active member of the American Legion in Dearborn, MI, Northbrook, Il, and Eagle River, WI, where he served in roles including Commander and Vice Commander, with continuous membership for over 60 years.
Jim loved to be an active community member and served as a Village Trustee in Northbrook and later as a town board member for the Township of Cloverland, WI. Jim was also active with other organizations including the VFW, Disabled American Veterans, Republican Party, and the Boy Scouts.
Jim and his wife, Marian, deeply enjoyed their life by the lake. When he was still able, they regularly took pontoon rides around the lake, watching the loons, eagles, deer, and other wildlife. He religiously kept a colorful tank full of freshwater fish, especially angel fish and algae eaters. Jim loved watching movies with big buckets of popcorn, collecting movie soundtracks, cultivating a large stamp collection, eating lemon meringue pie, drinking a cold beer, Diet Coke, and good whiskey. He loved to tell stories and have a good debate, although he always seemed to think he was the debate winner.
Jim was preceded in death by his father; his mother, Dolores; and his brothers, Douglas Lynn, and David J. Lynn.
Jim is survived by his wife, Marian Kotecki-Lynn; and his canine friend, April. He is also survived by his brother, Roger Lynn; sister, Judy Lynn; his daughter, Saundra Lynn (Glenn Starks); his son, Donald Lynn; and his grandchildren, Lachlann Swanson, Garrett Swanson, Rory Swanson, and Gwendolynn Swanson.
A small memorial may be planned at a later date. The family wishes to thank all of the caring professionals for the excellent and thoughtful care Jim received at Eagle River Hospital, Howard Young Hospital, Aprirus Rhinelander Hospital, Rennes Health and Rehab, and Vilas County EMS and Fire.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Oneida County Humane Society.
