James Lynn Strait

1940-2025

Lynn Strait passed away September 5, 2025 due to complications from Alzheimer’s Disease. Lynn was a native of Ohio and though he lived most of his life in California, he always identified with everything related to Ohio. It was his greatest pride and joy to have had the opportunity to be recruited to OSU to play football under the coaching of Woody Hayes. Near the end of his second year, he suffered a knee injury that kept him from being able to continue playing. Before signing with OSU, Lynn had decided he wanted to be a physician. At risk of losing his scholarship, Woody Hayes was good on his promise and made it possible for Lynn to realize his dream of medical school.

Lynn had a successful medical practice as an orthopedic surgeon for eight years with the US Army, serving for one year in Saigon, Viet Nam; and then for decades in private practice in Santa Barbara, California. His gentle demeanor made his patients feel calm and secure in knowing that he would take good care of them.

Lynn acquired his instrument-rated pilot’s license and enjoyed flying across the country to visit his family in Ohio and to ski in Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and Idaho.

He was a natural and gifted athlete who enjoyed tennis, rock climbing, skiing, and running until the physical toll on his knees sidelined him. Fortunately, golf became his sport of choice. He was a former member of La Cumbre Country Club in Santa Barbara, and later The Valley Club of Montecito. In Carmel, he enjoyed playing golf at Quail Lodge and Golf Club. He was a past president of the international MacKenzie Society. Golf took him all over the world enjoying the many courses and the many friendships that revolve around the game. While playing at Lahinch in Ireland, Lynn had his eighth hole in one on the eighth hole, hitting with his eight iron!

While his family is proud of all his amazing accomplishments, they are the proudest of the husband, father, and grandfather he was.

Lynn is survived by his wife, Cheryl Carter; his two daughters, Julie Ann Strait and Jennie Elizabeth Strait both of Santa Barbara; stepchildren, Kacey Meredith, Chris Barron, and John Barron (Brittany) and seven grandchildren, Charlotte Meredith, Camille Meredith, Arabella Barron, Indy Barron, Sunday Barron, River Barron, and Marigold Barron. He was preceded in death by his son, James Lynn Strait, II.

The family would like to thank Ivy Park at Salinas and Hospice of Santa Cruz County for their excellent care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Lynn was a quiet, strong, and elegant gentleman who walked softly on this planet. As per his wishes, no services are planned.