Dr. James Flynn

FLYNN, Dr. James Thomas I heard someone define heaven once, as a place where, when you get there, all the dogs you ever loved run to greet you!" Jim was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta on July 29th, 1920 to Elizabeth Ann and Charles Thomas Flynn, the only brother to Hilda. He was a shy boy growing up in the shadow of his boisterous older sister and a larger than life mother. His father was the CP Station Master permanently on afternoon shift. His Anglo-Irish family held education in high regard and he was a good student. He enjoyed school so much he repeated Grade One (too much beanbag!)! He went to the U of Alberta and studied Engineering Physics, and during the war worked at Rogers in Toronto developing radar. Having met Mildred from Camrose, they married in 1943 and started a family. In 1948 Jim left Rogers (it had been purchased by Phillips) and spent the rest of his career with the Defence Research Board. He had a distinguished record including defence research in nuclear, chemical and ultrasonography of the world's oceans, and a stint in London, England as a Scientific Liaison Officer to NATO. You never would have guessed, and he never would have told. Jim's interests were not limited to science. He studied the 18th century novel while doing his Ph.D. and delighted telling us about it when Tom Jones was done as a movie! He chaired a committee advising the bishop of the Ottawa Diocese on liturgy in preparation for Vatican II. Jim was active in his churches across the country. Jim and Mildred raised their children wherever his work took them. Toronto, Vancouver for his Ph.D., Ralston Alberta, London England, Ottawa and finally Victoria where they worked and retired for 32 years. He was a skillful sailor and all animals trusted his big warm hands. When navigating to Desolation Sound was more than they wanted he bought an RV and captained that around for another 10 years. When Mildred's Alzheimer's disease began to progress they moved to Waterloo for the last 10 years, first to new bungalow, then into increasing levels of care. Jim was able to make everyone of those critical steps "under his own steam". We're really proud of him for that. Jim was able to attend Mildred's Funeral Mass, as she died just 3 months ago. Jim leaves his loving children John, Kathleen and Gregory, their spouses, 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He didn't always know how to say thanks, but on his behalf, the family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to the staff at Westmount Long-term Care facility in Kitchener for the medical, nursing, spiritual and personal care he received. Donations to the Alzheimer's Society closest to you. Funeral Mass is at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 20th, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 173 Lourdes St. W, Waterloo, Ontario. 546932