James Joseph Flanagan, 95, passed away at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach on July 29, 2011.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1916, Jim was the youngest of nine children. He immigrated to the United States with his family, coming through Ellis Island in 1925 at the age of 9. The family settled in Brooklyn, New York, but Jim later moved to Yonkers, New York to pursue a job during the Great Depression.
He worked for the Refined Syrups and Sugars Company for 41 years, from age 17 until he retired at age 58.
Jim served in the U.S. Navy during World War II aboard the ammunition ship, USS Mt. Baker. He attained the rank of First Class Petty Officer and also became a qualified deep sea diver.
He and his wife moved to Vero Beach from Yonkers in 1981 and became charter members of the Vero Beach Irish-American Club.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Esther Connolly Flanagan of Vero Beach; a son James Flanagan of Upper Nyack, New York; two daughters Patricia Mandell and Lynn Borlas of Sebastian, Florida, and six grandchildren.
A funeral mass will be at Saint Helen Catholic Church at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, August 3, 2011.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, Tribute Program, P.O. Box 1000, Memphis, TN 38148.