Jim Linnane Passes - Another Ohio Judo Pioneer Lost

Jim Linnane Loses Battle With Cancer

Another Judo Pioneer of Ohio Passes

Jim Linnane, a long time contributor to Judo in Ohio and the Midwest, passed on Friday, September 24, 2021 as a result of colon cancer.  He had a long and very successful career as a Judoka, having significant achievements as a competitor, coach and referee. 

Jim started Judo in 1950 at the Springfield YMCA, Springfield, Ohio.  National Judo was in its infancy then and in the Midwest good instruction and competition required a lot of travel.  Jim was promoted to Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) in 1962 and continued to progress through the ranks, having attained the rank of Shichidan (7th Degree Black Belt).  During his competitive