Linker, Jack (1932-2018) | University of Illinois Archives

Name: Linker, Jack (1932-2018)

Historical Note: Linker first developed an interest in John Philip Sousa while playing clarinet in his high school band. Briefly educated at Miami University, he left college to join the Navy as a radioman. During his service he learned the harmonica, kept a small phonograph for his private use in the radio room, and spent his shore leave attending concerts in New York City. After leaving the Navy in 1955, Linker began collecting sound recordings and associated materials, including early cylinder sound recordings, records, and piano rolls.

Sources:

Telephone interview with Jack Linker conducted 10 July 2008. An email from his wife, Linda Linker, on January 23, 2018 proved news that Jack had passed away on January 21, 2018. His obituary was published in the Cincinnati Enquirer on January 24th. It follows:

Jack E.- Jack was born in Anna, Ohio on January 31, 1932 a son of the late Eugene and Lorma Linker. Dear brother of the late Eugene and Larry Linker. Beloved husband to Linda Linker. Cherished father to Douglas and grandfather of Leila. Jack loved collecting piano rolls for his player piano, antique record and cylinder players, band recordings all the way back to cylinders, railroad, airplane, and ship memorabilia, books, and anything related to John Phillips Sousa. He enjoyed watching baseball, football and basketball, bridge, going to band concerts, history, reading, and traveling. He was a friend to everyone he met. Jack liked telling jokes and had many files of them. He loved his family dearly. He had a strong religious faith. Jack was a Korean Navy Veteran and was a radioman on two destroyers. Jack passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at the age of 85. Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 27th from 10AM until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:30AM at Paul R. Young Funeral Home, 7345 Hamilton Ave., Mt. Healthy, Ohio 45231. Interment at Crown Hill.

Note Author: Megan Finn