James Smith Linden, the son of Roy A. and Margaret K. (Smith) Linden, was born August 17, 1926 at Omaha, Nebraska. He passed away on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at the Stanton Care Center, Stanton, Iowa at the age of 89 years, 4 months and 12 days.

Jim was raised in Stanton. He graduated from Stanton High School in l948 and began working for the railroad and the REC. On September 17, 1950, Jim was united in marriage to Marilyn Larson at Mamrelund Lutheran Church in Stanton. He was known to family and friends as "Jimmy" or "Lindy". Jim began farming the family century farm after he and Marilyn were married. He was quite particular of his vegetable garden and loved sharing produce with family and friends. Jim also raised chickens for many years and delivered eggs to Stanton residents. Jimmy enjoyed all kinds of sports, especially baseball and basketball, both as a spectator and participant. He enjoyed watching and cheering for his children and grandchildren as they participated in their many activities, along with assisting officials from the bleachers. Jim was an avid Kansas City Royals fan and thrilled they are the World Series Champions this year. The past 15 years, Jim had been a resident of Stanton Care Center and made the most of the time there with many friends and wonderful people who cared for him. But mostly, he loved his family and friends dearly and spending time with them.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and wife of 40 years, Marilyn, who passed away on November 14, 1990.

Jim is survived by his four children: Colleen Small and husband Dennis of Rock Rapids, IA; Dianne Linden and longtime companion Cha Snyder of Denver, CO; Rene` Zenor and husband Randy of Stanton, IA; and Jay Linden of Omaha, NE; six grandchildren: Jonathan (Jayme) Small, Jennifer (Damon) Pedersen, Ryan (Stacie) Zenor, Rachelle (Aaron) Focht, Tyler Linden and Alec Linden; and nine great-grandchildren: Camden and Eli Small; Elyse, Emma, Ethan and Egan Pedersen; Abbigail and Ellie Zenor, and Beckem Focht; other relatives and friends.

May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Celebration of Life Service will be held

Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Mamrelund Lutheran Church, Stanton, Iowa

Inurnment in the Mamre Cemetery, Stanton at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 9

Rev. Dr. Eric Kutzli, Officiating

Visitation with the family will be held on Friday evening, January 8, 2016 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home, Red Oak.

Memorials may be directed to the Mamrelund Lutheran Church or Stanton Booster Club.

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.