James F. Flaherty, 88, of West Dennis, MA, passed away peacefully at his home on February 17th, 2023, after a long battle with lung cancer.
He was born on June 29, 1934, and was raised in Dorchester on S. Munroe Terrace. Jim was predeceased by his parents Patrick and Mary Flaherty, and his son William Flaherty, and is survived by his beloved and cherished wife Nadine C. Flaherty, his brother Myles and his wife Nancy Flaherty of Burlington, MA, his sister Elaine and her husband Leo Hughes of Milford, MA, daughter Susan and her husband Gerald Sweeney of Sharon, MA and their children Caitlyn and Conor, his son James and his wife Annmarie of Norwood, MA and their children Nicole, Jimmy and Michael, his son David Flaherty of Readville, MA, his son John Flaherty of Dorchester, MA, his son Steven Flaherty of Readville, MA, and his nieces and nephews that he loved.
Jim, also known as “Big Jim” and “Jimsy”, was a graduate of Cathedral High School in Boston, and during his high school years he worked at the Puritan Donut Shop alongside his brother Myles. After graduating, Jim studied Theology for two years at Gordon Conwell in Hamilton, MA, and soon after he joined the Army where he was stationed in Germany to be trained in nuclear medicine. Following his service, he worked as a radiologist at the V.A. Hospital in West Roxbury, MA for 34 years, and during the beginning of his career at the VA, he worked part time at Boston City and Carney Hospital. His learning of nuclear medicine led him to tutor students at MassBay Community College in the field of radiology.
In his youth, Jim played basketball in High School; he organized and played baseball for the “Skulls” in Dorchester and would join his friends for a jump into the Quarries or for a swim at Squaw Rock in Quincy. When working at the VA, he would take the paraplegics on excursions such as fishing, cookouts, and organizing basketball games. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the VA Bowling League. Later in life, Jim coached little league baseball, coached and pitched in softball, played hockey as a goalie, became an avid tennis player, golfer, horseback riding and enjoyed hunting. Jim was also a skilled Bridge and Cribbage player, winning numerous Cribbage awards and high rankings over the years.
To Jim, his wife and family were what he valued and protected most in this world, and his greatest joy was bringing family together. His most cherished times were when family came together, and he could show off his cooking skills. Jim found great pleasure in cooking and entertaining for others.
Jim and Nadine ended up retiring down the Cape to W. Dennis, joining his brother Myles and his sister Elaine, where we had many family gatherings. He joined the Sons of Erin and volunteered at the W. Dennis Police Department, which he genuinely enjoyed, and created great friendships over the years. Jim continued his days of playing Cribbage at the Senior Center, which, for those who will now have a better opportunity on winning. Jim and Nadine formed new friendships, along with wonderful and caring neighbors. Jim truly enjoyed his afternoon at W. Dennis Beach, sitting in the car, having his coffee while reading the Cape Cod Times, which resulted in a little nap time from the sun shining on him, and getting pictures of the Snow Owls, to viewing the warm summer sunsets. Some of the most memorable times were displaying and watching fireworks on the 4th of July at Mayflower Beach and celebrating Cape holidays. It’s a never-ending list of extraordinary memories that we are so fortunate to have been bestowed with.
For all those that you have touched through your life, we shall forever hold and embrace your undeniable love of being a Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, Grandfather, and an undeniable friend. Thank you for the most enjoyable, loving, fun-filled, long-lasting memories......and to those that were lucky enough to be able to indulge in his famous replication of Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins.
Deep in our hearts, you will always be with us.
A service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 10:00am, on Monday March 6, 2023 at St. Ann’s Parish 243 Neponset Ave, Dorchester, MA 02122.
The family gratefully acknowledges the compassionate care of Beacon Hospice, especially Angie and Red, who cared for Jim.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Disabled Veterans and Beacon Hospice.
Content is coming soon...
Casper Funeral Services
187 Dorchester Street
Boston, MA 02127 617-269-1930
