We could talk about Jim Lynn’s exterior life. He grew up in the coal country of Pennsylvania where his Irish ancestors landed generations ago. He worked on the railroad to put himself through Columbia University; enlisting in the Army during the Vietnam War as a matter of honor. He became an Intelligence Officer.
Psychologist and businessman Dr. Jim Lynn died on Sunday, September 6, 2026 at his desk, at home in Shorewood, MN. His sisters were awaiting a weekly invitation for their Zoom call that never came. Born in 1942, Jim was the fifth child in a family of six. He was almost seven years old when his father, Robert, died of a glioblastoma.
One of his earliest memories is of seeing his father return from the hospital with his head bandaged after brain surgery. His first thought was: “I’m going to fix people’s brains when I get older.” And that he did!
Obtaining a doctorate in psychology at the University of the Pacific, thanks to the GI Bill, Jim worked first as an educational psychologist. But it was applying science to the business world that most excited him. He never wanted to live a 9 to 5 life, he wasn’t about to punch a time clock.
Always an entrepreneur, the newly minted Dr. Lynn started his own consulting business in 1980 after moving to Minnesota to be closer to his family. He became an advisor and coach to multiple CEOs. He was an expert in adult learning, and a consultant to civic and government leaders. His expertise in public service leadership was known throughout the Twin Cities area.
Jim met his wife of 46 years, Anita Pankratz, while studying at the Monterey Language School in California before shipping out to Saigon. They were married overlooking the Santa Lucia Mountains of Big Sur. She was wearing white go-go boots and he was a handsome, young lieutenant.
When his younger sister once asked him what he actually did for companies that were in trouble, he simply said “I’m like their priest.” He was the best brother his sisters could ask for, a loving husband and loyal friend.
Over the years, Jim has mentored younger clinicians and advised friends and family with alacrity. Whenever there was a problem with school or career, Uncle Jim was always available. After his wife died in 2016, his neighbors rallied to support him in any way they could. A beloved member of the larger Excelsior community, Jim died doing what he loved most, helping others. He never retired from the life he loved.
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