Janice Anne Link

Janice Anne Link, 70, of Middleburg, FL, passed away suddenly at Orange Park Medical Center on September 13, 2022. 

“Jan” was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Anne Mae and Reber Short.  She graduated from Interboro High School and Widener University.  While in college, she worked for Avis Car Rental and United Airlines. After college, Jan was recruited by Eastern Airlines and worked in Philadelphia and Allentown, PA.

In 1975, Jan’s roommate and close friend Connie, introduced Jan to her brother, a tall handsome Marine named James “Jim” Link. Four years later Jan married Jim, the love of her life. The couple had an enviable marriage. Jim often said he “married up,” but Janice felt she was the lucky one.

Jim was transferred to Florida with his company, Air Products, and the couple was thrilled to move to the sunshine state of Florida to be closer to Jan’s sister and parents. They made their home in Orange Park and Jan worked as a travel agent at the Naval Air Station and Cecil Field in Jacksonville. The Links had two sons and  eventually moved to their long-time home in Middleburg.

During the years that their sons grew up, a multitude of children, teenagers and young adults passed through the family home and felt welcomed to linger for long periods.  Jan was regularly dubbed “Mom” by those doing the passing and the lingering. 

Jan was a lover of people, tea, books, quilting, travel, and a humorous anecdote.  She was a willing ear for any who needed to be heard and that proverbial soft place to fall for those who might be headed for a rocky landing.  Many suspected they held the title of Jan’s best friend, but no one knew for sure because she treated everyone like they were. 

Jan was the consummate hostess, whether in her welcoming home or traveling around in the couple’s motorhome.  Even if a visit was brief, there were always special treats along with coffee, tea or something stronger if the occasion called for it.  For every gift or act of kindness that was extended to her or her family, she lovingly sent hand-written notes of gratitude.  Jan remembered everyone’s name, along with the names and birthdays of their children and grandchildren, who often received a beautiful hand-made quilt.  

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, her treasured granddaughter, Nora Elizabeth Link, her cherished son, Brandon James Link and her special nephew, Christopher Hamilton.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jim, her beloved son, Jason (Fleming Island, FL), his wife Victoria and the reason she wore a huge smiled each day, her cherished grandson, Hayden. Jan is also survived by her sister, Karen Hamilton (Bradenton, FL), Karen’s husband Richard, her nephew, Matthew Hamilton, (Gainesville, FL), his wife Melissa and their children, Brendan and Aubrey.  She is also survived by more friends than most people ever have.

A celebration of Janice’s amazing life will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Orange Park United Methodist Church, 2051 Park Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073. 

Jan’s goodbye leaves an emptiness in the hearts and lives of so many and longings for what could and would have been.  She will be remembered and missed, but we believe she will be watching over us and will save us a good seat with the ocean view she always loved.  Maybe then, we will find out who really was her best friend.

In lieu of flowers, we would appreciate contributions in Jan’s name to the book drive honoring her granddaughter Nora’s birthday. Jan was an avid reader, a book club member, and an English major. Jan would have been rallying her friends to fill the book carts at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. To gift a book, please follow the link below. Wolfson Children’s Hospital  https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2KER0TOI0FOMD?ref_=wl_share

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