James Carl Link

Reverend James Link, 72, went to be with his heavenly father on November 23, 2017 at home surrounded by his wife, siblings and children in Indianapolis, IN. He was born on July 16, 1945 in Saint Louis, MO.

Pastor Jim Link grew up in Hazelwood, MO. He graduated from Hazelwoood High School in Hazelwood, MO in 1963.

After high school he:

• Joined the Navy in 1963 and served four years. He served in the Vietnam War and was discharged in 1967 achieving the rank of Petty Officer. He an accomplished NAVL Airman and was honorably discharged as a highly decorated veteran.
• Attended Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN where he received his Master’s degree in Divinity.
• Pastor Link was the shepherd at Faith Lutheran Church; South Bend, IN, Resurrection Lutheran Church; Holmen, WI, St. James Lutheran Church; Necedah, WI and St. John’s Lutheran Church in Indianapolis, IN.

Pastor Link married Ginny (Virginia) in 1964 in Alton, IL. Their amazing love story started on Thanksgiving Day in 1960. Their marriage was centered on Christ and overflowed with love to all those around them.

Pastor Link was an avid St Louis Cardinals fan with a wonderful sense of humor. He was well known for his corny jokes and light hearted banter. He also loved Colts football and anything sports related. He was active in the Wounded Warriors Project and proudly shared his love of our country. But nothing trumped his love for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren (unless the Cardinals were playing.)

Pastor Link was preceded in death by his father and mother, Stanley and Barbara Link; his father and mother-in-law, Carl and Bertha Blomenkamp; sister-in-law, Eunice Link; and niece, Jamey Waldron.

Pastor Link is survived by his spouse, Ginny (Virginia) of Indianapolis, IN; his children, Tonya (Keith) Fortier of Indianapolis, IN; Robin (Brad) Stevenson of Pittsburgh, PA; Diane (Drew) Houy of Necedah, WI; and Brian (Sarah) Link of Elkhart, IN; his brothers and sisters, Elaine (Dave) Turner-Hogenmiller of Hazelwood, MO; Richard Link of Fayetteville, NC and Diane (Harold) Tyndall of Fayetteville NC; and his grandchildren, Nathan (Anna) Fortier, Todd Fortier, Katie Hernandez, Lindsay Johnson, Hannahlee Johnston, Lily Stevenson, Sidney Stevenson, Tylinn (Stephan) Snyder, Anne Houy, Thomas Houy, Carlie Houy, Zak Seitz, Austin Link, Alyssa Link, Symphony Woolwine, Cassie Kerr, Joshua Link and Jacob Link and many nieces and nephews and other relatives that he loved dearly.

Visitation will be held at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East, 10722 E Washington St., Indianapolis, IN on Tuesday, November 28^th from 4-8pm. Funeral services will be Wednesday November 29^th at 11am at St. John Lutheran Church, 6630 Southeastern Ave, Indianapolis, IN, with additional visitation 1 hour prior at the church.  Burial will follow at St John Lutheran cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church 6630 Southeastern Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203 or Wounded Warrior Project https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org

Friends are invited to leave online condolences for the family at www.flannerbuchanan.com