Linda Raquel James, affectionately known as Linda Bodkin, peacefully departed this life at 75 years of age, in her Hackensack residence on Sunday, May 26, 2024. Born in Bocas del Toro, Panama, Linda was the cherished daughter of the late Maria and Winston Bodkin. She migrated to the United States in the early 1970s to pursue higher education, later becoming a naturalized citizen and making New Jersey her permanent home. Linda's determination led her to achieve a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Montclair State University. Continuing her academic pursuit at Felician University, she became a dedicated registered nurse specializing in psychiatric-mental health nursing. Linda's career was marked by compassion for her patients and a collaborative spirit with her colleagues. After decades of service, she retired from her role at the North Jersey Developmental Center in Totowa.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Linda had diverse interests. An avid traveler, enthusiastic gardener, and dedicated kin-keeper, she was the anchor her family relied upon for support and guidance. She leaves behind a legacy of love as a devoted mother to John Arthur James, Jr., Raquel Nicole James-Goodman, and Tanya Marie James. She was the dear sister of Gloria Whiting, Anna Bodkin, Jose Antonio Bodkin, Norma Crosby, Jaime Bodkin, and Annette Bodkin, and she was preceded in death by Carlos, Ernesto and Winston Bodkin. Linda was also a cherished grandmother to John Hudson James, Myles J. Parker, Andrew Lee Goodman, Jr., Aesyn Lee Goodman, and Jay Carter James, and a beloved aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service to honor Linda's life will be held at Costa Memorial Home, located at 170 Central Avenue (corner of Boulevard) in Hasbrouck Heights, on Saturday, June 1. The visitation will commence at 9:30 am, followed by the funeral service at 10:30 am. Linda's final resting place will be at the Holy Cross Chapel Mausoleum in North Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, Linda expressed her wish for donations to The ALS Association, an organization dedicated to advancing research and supporting those affected by ALS, the disease that claimed her. Through these contributions, Linda's spirit of compassion and generosity will continue to touch lives far and wide.