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James Flaherty Obituary
He earned his law degree from Boston College, and joined the law faculty of Cleveland-Marshall in 1966. At that time, it was a private law school affiliated with Baldwin-Wallace College. Soon thereafter this relationship was terminated, putting C-M's law school's existence in jeopardy. Professor Flaherty was appointed bursar and assistant dean and was charged with the task of making the law school financially solvent and working to merge it with Cleveland State University. He did so in a two-year period. Flaherty originated several programs during his tenure including the first use in the country of the Federal Work Study Program for a law school, implementing the first minority admissions affirmative action program, and the first women's affirmative action program, to name just a few. He also created several innovative courses during his tenure. Flaherty played a significant role on key Grievance and Ethics committees of the local bar, served on county arbitration panels, and for several years, was the director of Cleveland-Marshall's CLE program. He was awarded the rank of emeritus on June 23, 1999.
Flaherty is survived by his six children, Richard, Robert (Cindy), Ann (Jeff Cronauer), Jane (Loren Sonkin), Steve (Kate) and Lisa (Michael Liggett); 17 grandchildren; sister, Betty Farraher; and 11 nieces and nephews.
His wife Alice; infant son, James; and brothers, Joseph Leo and John Kevin Flaherty, preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 7575 Bellflower Road, Mentor.
Friends and family will be received from 1 to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, at the Radisson Hotel, 35000 Curtis Blvd., Eastlake (located at Routes 2 and 91).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cleveland Clinic Hospice, P.O. Box 931517, Cleveland, OH 44193-1655.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Flaherty
Jeff Dean
January 4, 2013
My deepest sympathies. I just came across this post. Professor Flaherty was one of the best professors I had the pleasure of knowing at Cleveland Marshall. I enjoyed his Friday night litigation class the most. He instilled a passion for the law that I will always remember.
ann flaherty
December 16, 2012
Dad,
I am glad you are out of pain now. I miss you so terribly and my world has changed forever. What a blessing in my life to have had such a real and loving relationship with you. If children in the world have even half of the loving times I have had with you, their lives will be deeply enriched and filled with wonder. I will forever treasure, love and adore you, my dad.
Love, Ann.
Terrence Jones
November 17, 2012
Prof. Flaherty was an excellent instructor, attorney and family man. He touched and had a beneficial influence on many.
Packy Boukis
November 14, 2012
I worked for Dean Flaherty at Cleveland Marshall. He was a good man, had a great sense of humor.
My sympathy to his family
Mary Hoag
November 13, 2012
My loving thoughts and prayers of healing to the Flaherty Clan. Uncle Jim was a great man, loving, caring and a teddy bear at heart. He loved his family and provided many memories for all. We now have another guardian angel to watch over us.
Richard Koloda
November 12, 2012
I remember Professor Flaherty very fondly --You have my deepest sympathy
November 12, 2012
So sorry to hear of your loss. Schuyler said it best -- as time passes, we discover just how blessed we were. It's too bad we don't always recognize it at the time. Jim Flaherty was an extraordinary guy who will be greatly missed.
Karin Mika
Anne Pietroski Crawford
November 12, 2012
Sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I have lots of memories of Jim, Alice and mom and dad having a lot of fun together!
Nancy Hanacek C-M Law retired
November 11, 2012
My condolences to the Flaherty family. What a wonderful and caring person he was. He touched a part of all our lives one way or another and I for one will never forget him. May his soul rest in peace.
George Burke
November 11, 2012
Rich, Lisa and Jane: Let me share my deepest condolences to you and your family. May your father rest in Peace and you celebrate his life!! May you learn to love each other even more through his spirit.
George Burke
Schuyler Cook
November 11, 2012
As a student in Domestic Relations class and a beneficiary via the Federal Work Study Program, I realize with greater clarity as time passes how blessed I am for my relationships with your Dad, his talented beautiful offspring and the woman with whom he created them, your Mom. His and your Mom's passing reminds me of my own mortality and the obligations of all they touched to do some good. Bless you all.
Jake Jones
November 11, 2012
We offer our thoughts of condolence and prayers for peace to the Flaherty family.
Corrine Dunning Savage
November 10, 2012
Deepest Condolences, his memory will be forever in your heart.
Marianne Tletski
November 10, 2012
Deepest Sympathy on the loss of your father . May the memories you have heal your pain. He is at peace and reunited with his wife .
jay overholt
November 10, 2012
uncle jim i will miss you and anut alice you and her had a great life together now we will all miss you
Janelle Hastings
November 10, 2012
Uncle Jim...you will be missed...I have many great memories of you...take care of Aunt Alice...much love...
Bob and Kriss Schwab
November 10, 2012
Dear Flaherty Family, James was an amazing man who did so much to make our world a better place. He will always be remembered for his contributions to education, but he will also be remembered for being an amazing man who raised an awesome family with his wonderful wife. We always enjoyed the times we spent with James and Alice. Their love will always be carried in your hearts. Our world is better for having known them and for knowing all of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you all. We know James is now in His loving arms, reunited with his lovely, loving Alice in peace.
Bunny Breslin
November 9, 2012
To Jane, Loren and the whole family, I send my most sincere thoughts and prayers. Wishing you healing time.
~ Bunny
Katie Simeone
November 9, 2012
I know I am not biological family but this amazing man was the closest I was ever going to get to a grandfather. I will miss him dearly. But knowing he is with Gramma is the what puts a smile on my face. I know that they are both watching down on all of us and saying how proud they are of us. And how we will get through this because we have each other.
Kayla Flaherty
November 9, 2012
We love you, Poppo. Tell Grandma we love and miss her too.
November 9, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the Flaherty family. What a full life Dad led! May you all find peace in the company of friends and family.
Donna (Garvey)Czech
November 9, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with all the Flaherty family. What a full life Dad led! May you all be comforted by family and friends at this difficult time.
Donna (Garvey) Czech
Caitlyn Flaherty
November 9, 2012
I love you Poppo, take care of Gram. We'll all be together again soon.
C. Ellen Connally
November 9, 2012
Prof Flaherty was my professor at the Cleveland Marshall College of Law. He was one of my favorites. The property law that I learned in his class has lasted me throughout my career - as a judge and now as President of the Cuyahoga County Council. His legacy lives on.
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