James "Art" Linzy

James Arthur Linzy, son of Lawrence and Georgia Bell Roberts Linzy, was born in their home in Rubonia, FL, on July 18, 1942, and went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the age of 82. He was a lifelong resident of Manatee County and proudly referred to himself as a Florida cracker. Although he was referred to as either Arthur or Art, as a young boy he wanted to be called Toby but no one would call him that since it wasn’t his given name. He eventually found a way to resolve the issue to his satisfaction (as you’ll soon see). Young Art hit the road at an early age, first on a bicycle, then a scooter, eventually working his way up to his first car. The love of everything automotive and of being out on the open road was never to leave but more on that later. He attended Palm View school and then Palmetto High, graduating in 1960.

One of his residences in Manatee County found him across the street from the parsonage of the First Baptist Church of Terra Ceia. There he met the beautiful young woman who was to eventually become his bride, Mary Catherine Burnett, whose father was serving as pastor at the time. They were married on February 24, 1962, at Balm Baptist Church in Balm, FL. The loving couple had two children: James A “Toby” Linzy, II, (I told you you’d soon see the resolution) and Catherine “Cathy” Suzanne Linzy Goralczyk.

Art turned his aforementioned love of cars and trucks into a career that lasted for over 50 years, predominantly at different incarnations of the Bradenton GMC dealership as the Parts Manager and in his later years as a heavy duty truck parts salesman at Maher Chevrolet in St Petersburg.

Although he was well known for his canned response of “Terrible” to any inquiry as to how he was doing, he was much better known for always being there and going out of his way for people with whom he was involved. It didn’t matter if they were a relative, a friend or a customer. Both children have benefited while taking care of their dad from others who wanted to do it just because of what Art had done for them.

It probably won’t surprise you to find out that two of Art’s favorite things involved racing and traveling. From Talladega to Atlanta to Daytona, he loved the sound of roaring engines and the smell of burnt rubber. Either on his own, with friends or the rarely (if ever) missed summer family vacation, Art’s travels took him from Bimini to New York City to Hawaii to Mexico City and many, many places in between. He also loved going out to eat. Whether it was a shrimp basket at The Shake Pit back in the day, Chick-fil-A (original chicken sandwich with honey roasted BBQ sauce and small waffle fries, please….oh, and a peach shake in season!) or hanging out with Angelina, Kim and others at Popi’s, he was always ready. In addition, Art was a long-time prominent and faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Terra Ceia where he led the song service for some years and was the treasurer and board member for many years while also assisting with mowing and maintaining the church grounds.

Art was predeceased by his wife of 41 years, Mary Catherine Burnett Linzy, his parents, Lawrence and Georgia Bell Roberts Linzy, brother, Lawrence Coy (Donice) Linzy, sister, Irma (Luther) McLeod, and brother, Robert C. (Carolyn) Linzy.

Survivors include son, James A “Toby” Linzy, II, of Tampa and daughter, Catherine (Bob) Goralczyk of Porter, TX. He was known as Grandpapa to grandchildren Alec (Marah) Goralczyk of Kingwood, TX and Megan (David) Goralczyk Salisbury of Jenks, OK and great-grandchildren, Cove Goralczyk of Kingwood, TX and Lottie Goralczyk of Kingwood, TX. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Art will be held Monday, April 7, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Groover Funeral Home at Mansion Memorial Park, 1400 36th Ave East, Ellenton, FL 34222. A funeral service will occur Monday, April 7, 2025, at 2:30 PM, 1400 36th Ave East, Ellenton, FL 34222. A graveside service will occur Monday, April 7, 2025, at 4:00 PM at Gillette Cemetery, 8996 Ellenton Gillette Rd, Palmetto, FL 34221. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Florida Baptist Children's Homes, St Jude, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital or alz.org in memory of James A Linzy.