Jim Linden came to Everett Junior College in the fall of 1955 following a stellar football career at Everett High. He was a starter for the Trojans that fall but was hampered by a leg infection that required surgery before the season ended. Though he played just one year at EJC, he certainly was one of the outstanding linemen to come through the football program during the tenure of coach Walt Price.
Linden transferred to University of Oregon where he was a standout tackle for the next three years. In his junior year, Oregon went to the Rose Bowl. Linden was named a UPI Honorable Mention All-American that season and he was selected as the Everett Herald's 1957 Man of the Year in Sports. He was drafted by the NFL's Detroit Lions, but soon dedicated himself to a career in teaching, coaching and eventually administration.
He started in the Everett School District, soon moved to Stanwood and then later to Marysville. At Marysville, he progressed to the position of district athletic director. A jovial - but stern when needed - giant, he was beloved by students and staff. Linden passed away suddenly on January 26, 1993. On January 19, 2006, a crowd gathered at the Marysville - Pilchuck High School for a ceremony to name the main athletic facility the Jim Linden Field House.
