Jimmy Linville: Heaven is His Address Now

Precious in the sight of the LORD
is the death of his saints. (Psalm 116:15)

A good friend of mine passed away this morning. Jimmy Linville (Mr. Jimmy to most who knew him) changed his address to a heavenly PO Box this morning.

Jimmy was a phenomenal bass player and an all around great musician. We shared many good times and set lists over the almost 4 years that I knew him. Just less than a month ago he jumped on board at the last minute to play bass with me for an event that I couldn’t get a bass player for. He was like that though. Always helping out.

The world will be a bit more dim without his quiet smile.

Mr. Jimmy was a solid, God-fearing man who served his church (House of Joy in Valdosta, GA) with a steadfast and determined loyalty. He was committed and consistent. He was the epitome of reliable.

One of my favorite things about Jimmy was that he added to our worship band’s diversity. He was the “older” guy. The one who literally rocked out before most of us were even alive. He played accordion. That’s right, accordion. If you needed some polka, or the Chicken Dance, he was your man. Seriously, though, he knew what it meant to be part of a diverse team that put aside cultural, ethnic, racial, and even generational differences to reach people.

He took the photos for HOJ weekly and was a huge part of the video and tech ministry there. He will be missed greatly. Obviously for the part he played for the Kingdom through HOJ, but more so as a husband, father, grandpa, and great friend to all who knew him.

Here’s video of one of the last few times we played together. He’s on bass (behind the singers). May 09, 2010.

“So Loved” @ VHS Baccalaureate from Jimmy Linville on Vimeo.

Here’s a little video of us playing a few years ago at a “cover” show we threw together some oldies tunes for. We had a blast.The bass he’s playing is a HOMEMADE upright washtub bass that we built for the show.

Mr. Jimmy, we will miss you here on earth, but we know that we’ll join you one day in worshiping Jesus! Our prayers, condolences, and love are with the Linville, Barcol, and McWilliams families as they walk through this time of grieving your death and celebrating your ultimate healing.