Jim Linzmeyer

Jim Linzmeyer, an Army veteran and former star athlete at Gillett High School, died Saturday, Feb. 10, at Serenity Gardens in Gillett at age 76.

The son of Sylvester and Ruby Linzmeyer, Jim graduated from Gillett High School in 1965. After attending what was then Wisconsin State University-Whitewater for one year, Jim served in the Army from 1968 to 1970 and was based in Vicenza, Italy, for most of that time.

Jim was a three-sport star at Gillett High, earning 10 varsity letters, including one in track as a freshman.

As a senior, Jim was a two-way selection at halfback and defensive back on the all-M&O Conference football team as Gillett took second place with a 5-1 record. In basketball, he was named honorable mention on the Associated Press All-State Team and special mention on the United Press International team selected by state coaches. He led Gillett to an 18-2 overall record, the M&O Conference championship and to the subsectional level of what was then a one-class state tournament.

In track, Jim won the 120-yard high hurdles and 180-yard low hurdles in the WIAA State Track Meet and scored all 10 points as Gillett finished in a tie for fifth place in Class C, which included 135 schools with enrollments of 325 and under. Jim also was the only double winner in Class C. In the M&O Conference track and field meet, Jim won three events, including the high jump, and set records in winning the two hurdle events.

As a junior, Jim was a star halfback for Gillett when it won the M&O Conference championship and finished 6-1 overall. In basketball, he averaged just over 20 points a game as Gillett tied for second place in the M&O. And he finished fourth in the 120-yard high hurdles in the Class C state track meet. He also was king of the Junior Prom.

After he returned home from the service, Jim played basketball for the Swan Club, one of the top amateur teams in the Green Bay area.

Jim was a kind, honest man with a keen memory and quick wit, who made many lasting friendships over the course of his life.

He is survived by his brother, Ronald; his sister, Shirley Christl (Cliff); and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Beverly Young.

Jim also wanted to thank niece Karyn Patenaude for her frequent visits and tender-hearted support; and the staff at Serenity Gardens assisted living facility in Gillett for its care and kindness during his stay.

Plans for a celebration of Jim’s life will be announced in the future.

Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.