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James Flett Obituary

Of Belmont, Feb. 10. Beloved husband of Flossie (Malone) Flett. Father of James W. Flett III of Belmont and Bruce W. Flett of Burlington. Step-father of Bonnie McLaine Heptig of Arlington and Phillip L. McLaine of Belmont. Brother of Joanne Page of Steuben, ME and Patricia Lowe of Sun City, FL. Also survived by 9 grandchildren and 4 nephews. A Funeral Service will be held in the All Saints Episcopal Church (corner of Clark & Common St.) Belmont on Thursday Feb. 16 at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours in the Brown & Sons Funeral Home 36 Trapelo Rd. BELMONT on both Tuesday & Wednesday from 2:00-8:00 PM. Interment Belmont Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Shriner's Burns Institute, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114. Brown & Sons Funeral Home 617-484-2534

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Published by Boston Globe from Feb. 12 to Feb. 14, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for James Flett

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Sherry Fichtner

February 6, 2022

Hard to believe that 16 years ago is just days away...so much love for you here, Amen.

September 4, 2016

Had not thought of you for a while uncle Jimmy thinking of you now

Jack Flaherty

December 3, 2015

So sorry to hear of your loss. It's terrible! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Flaherty family

Kathy Kozlowski

February 10, 2014

It seems like yesterday but the calendar says it has been 8 years, you are missed as much today. I hope you and Mike are enjoying your "truck talk". Gone but never forgotten Mr. Jim.

Bill and Janet Sheehan

February 9, 2014

Jim I am so sorry to have heard of the loss of your father to all your family our sincere condolences. we have been up in Nh for 13 years and pretty disconnected from news down there your father is and will be a gifted memory we are so sorry for your loss..

bosco farry

April 3, 2012

To the late mr flett god bless and rest in peace

Now Known as " The Monkey- Man " ! Ee ! Photo of Hanover HS/ NH.Job 2007.

Stanley Rossi Jr.

January 19, 2012

My Best memories of Construction and Excavation in my Early Years , are always of my job @ J. W. Flett Co Inc .
Working w/for : Frankie French , Bob Wheaton , Jim W Flett , My Dad of course! , Jim Jr. , Tommy & George Santos ( Lots of fun in the Trenches !! ) , Tebo , Sully , Billy " The Crusher " Babcock , Rick Ragoine , and The allways busy ,
" Millmasaurus" ! Brian Miller ...Laborer in General.!
I did not Know Mr. Flett all that well, But he was allways very kind and Understanding as I remember him. He had even gave me a Break a couple of times , when other Owners would not have been so Generous.I got my real- Start in Excavating and Truck Driving in 1984 on The " Avnet Park " job , in Peabody . Now I drive, on the Road 10- Wheel DumpTruck For United Construction Corp. In the great Old town of Newport NH., I often miss the Places & Friends i have in Mass. Someday i will Return To visit Everyone. JW - Watch over your many Accomplishments & Friends, and Thank you .
Yours as Allways ,
Stanley Rossi , Jr. :) { SAR-Jr ! )
( 603) 477-9224 .

Mike Fouch

July 5, 2009

To the family and friends of Jim Flett, I exprees my sympathy to you. Even after 3 yrs, the pain is still there.

I first met Jim and several of his friends back in the mid 70's at the Watch Fob shows in Ohio and from that point on I was friends with guys for many years. Some of the fobs in Jims collection where bought from me and that I feel honored.

I also remember the great love of Pro Football Jim had. I know several times when he was at the fob shows here(Ohio)he would go down to the Football Hall of Fame in Canton. The funny thing is he was there more times than me and I only live 35 miles away and also worked all the roads around it.

I also know of the great love of being a Mason, and Im proud to have Jim as one of my Brothers.

Thanks for the memories Jim !

Tracy Flett

May 30, 2007

To the family of James W. Flett, I express my deepest condolences for your loss. I too, lost a James Flett this past year; my dad. I'm from Denver, Colorado, and my dad was James R. Flett, an attorney who passed away November 16, 2006. My Jim Flett was an extraordinary man, and it appears, so was yours.

April 5, 2007

April 5, 2007

April 5, 2007

April 5, 2007

April 5, 2007

April 5, 2007

Bruce and Jim jr.

April 5, 2007

April 5, 2007

April 5, 2007

Jim and I shared our love for American Flags =)

April 5, 2007

April 5, 2007

For his "Tootsie" ;)

April 5, 2007

April 5, 2007

Was always a gentleman...

April 5, 2007

John Kellar

March 6, 2007

I just read of Jim's passing a year ago. Sad to read but good to ponder and reflect on the good things he did. My family had many dealings with Flett over the years when William Kellar, Inc., General Contractor was in the Newton's. Back in 1998, I got to re-visit the Flett organization on a project at MIT and shake hands with Jim at the Christmas Party....I always turn my head when driving to see if the piece of iron says Flett on it............

The man missed by so so many <3

August 6, 2006

Well Deserved T-shirt Tribute

August 6, 2006

25th Antique Truck Show, Hudson Ma.

August 6, 2006

Michael Mahoney

April 19, 2006

Dear Flossie, Bruce, Jimmy, and Family





Words cannot even express how sorry I am about your loss. Jim was one of the greatest men that I have ever come across. From the way he conducted his Business to the manner in which he talked to you as if you were on the same level as he. He was no better than you and you were no better than he. Everyone was equal whether you were an employee, supplier, customer, or just someone passing bye, Jim treated you with respect. I think the phrase to best describe why so many people respected Jim is “To get respect, you must give respect.”

As you know there are so many people and businesses that would not be where they are today without Jim. I have experienced “Jims’ touch” personally. I believe that my father and I, as people as well as a business, would not be where we are if it were not for Jim. Just by having the Flett Company as a customer, businesses immediately take you seriously. They feel that if the Flett Company has you as a supplier, than you must be of the highest caliber. Jim gave my father and I so many advantages in business, which made the road to success that much easier. He gave us a home for our trucks as well as full access to the Flett facilities and personnel for maintenance and repairs to our equipment.

I can remember when my Dad was first in business he had only one truck which he depended on, that truck blew the motor and if it were not for Jim lending his own oil truck to my father, he would have had much difficulty operating.

Secondly is the recent situation my mother and stepfather went through regarding the gas station. Here are two people that Jim barely knew who were suddenly at his mercy. On the one hand Jim could have taken this land, which he owned, and built a much needed office building to relieve the congestion in the Pleasant Street Building. On the other hand Jim could have rented the space to Billy directly, allowing him to continue in the only business he has ever known to provide for his family. Many may have said that Jim did not make a smart business decision. Instead he made a decision with his heart keeping another Belmont business afloat.

As my father and I run our business I look at the Flett Company as a benchmark. Even though we are in different industries we try to mirror the operations of Flett. From the way that the Flett Company portrays their image through the way that they take care of their equipment to the way that Jim made the company a place in which everyone in the construction industry wanted to some how have a relationship with.

It may seem as if this letter praises the company and not Jim but the Flett Company is Jim. The company encompasses all the qualities that Jim possessed. In the continued operations of the company Jim will always live on and will never be forgotten.

I, my father, and our family are truly grateful for the way that the Flett family has impacted our lives. We will always be there for you and your families whenever you might need us.

Denis Yaworski

March 12, 2006

Dear Flett Family - Jim was a good friend and very good to me. Thank you, Jim, for being there for me in my hour of need.

Tom Barry

March 4, 2006

To the Flett family.

I am sorry for your loss. Jim will be missed but not forgotten.

Andy and Mary La Raia

March 2, 2006

To Flossie and family our deepest sympathy.

Andrea Turner

February 26, 2006

What can I say? Jim - I will miss you - even when I live 3,000 miles away!! He was one of the nicest people anyone could have met and I feel honoured that he let me into his life. I am so sorry I couldn't be there to say goodbye. I send a huge hug to all the family.

Sean Tatham

February 23, 2006

It was my priviledge to meet Mr. Flett for the first time at the last HCEA "Rockbusters" chapter meeting. I had seen his trucks & equipment in the Boston area for years; and it was so nice to finally meet the man behind them. The number of people whose lives he touched and the way he is missed and remembered is such a testament to his character and life. For those close to him; my sincere condolences and a prayer that the inspiration and example he provided will continue to be a compass for you all for years to come.

Sincerely,

Sean M. Tatham

William (Bill) Mitchell

February 18, 2006

As a fellow collector I have had the pleasure of knowing Jim for over 30 years. His passion for collecting watch fobs and construction memorabelia matched any of his fellow collectors. The many shows that Jim attended in Ohio each spring were made richer by his presence. I will miss getting to talk with him once more, this coming April. On behalf of both the International Watch Fob Association and the Canadian Association of Watch Fob Collectors we extend our sincerest sympathy to the Flett family. All of us involved in the hobby have lost a good friend and a Gentle Man.

Arlon Brown

February 17, 2006

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the Flett family.

David Turner

February 16, 2006

Flett family, my deepest sympahty for your loss. The company will miss Jim. I have worked here for just over four years and I have learned many things since I've been here. The most important thing I've learned from Jim is PRIDE. Jim had tremendous pride, he was proud of who he was what he did. The tractor, trailer, and machines I move which are lettered FLETT six to seven times by my sides. Jim has made all of his employee's proud, and this in return has made us better people.

Thank you, a proud driver,

David Turner

DAVID WELCH

February 16, 2006

To The Flett Family, All of us here at The Welch Corp. are saddened by the death of James W. Flett. You have our most sincere sympathy. Sincerely, David J. Welch

Holly and John Maloney

February 16, 2006

Flossie, Phil, Bonnie and the entire Flett Family,

We are saddened to hear of Jim's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May happy memmories guide you through this difficult time.

Eddie & Andrea Lundin

February 16, 2006

To Jim, Jr, Bruce, Flossie and the Flett Family



We are so saddened by the passing of Jim. He was a wonderful man, friend, boss and mentor. My memories of sitting in Jim's office the past several years just "talking and visiting" will always be with me. Being one of Jim's early employees gave me a great sense of the man...Honest, thoughtful, and caring. Jim supported me in everything I chose to do, without reservation and always with complete encouragement. For this I am truly grateful. He was a wonderful friend and I will miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Wish we could be there to say goodbye to a dear friend.

Stephen Dee

February 16, 2006

Dear Flossie and the entire Flett Family,



When I remember Jim I think about the Marine Corp Motto "Sempre Fidelis" - Always Faithful. Jim had the enduring qualities of Loyalty, Honesty, and Charity which is why it was so easy for him to collect so many friends and why he was truly beloved and admired by so many.



It does not pass unnoticed that the only person his heart failed was himself which is why so many our memories of Jim will always be recalled with a smile and a kind word. This world was a better place with Jim in it and he will be sorely missed. There were so few like him.



My prayer for you is that the future finds you blessed with good health and that you find yourself surrounded by the people you love.



God Bless you all,

Stephen Dee

Mary Domenichella-O'Halloran

February 16, 2006

Dear Jimmy & Bruce

I am sorry for the loss of your dad. Although i do not remember much about him, i do remember great stories my dad would share me and to hear of such a wonderful person.I remember that every December my dad would say "its almost time for the flett christmas party"(and wanting to go with him as a little girl) and that was one of the best times he had and would always try to make them even when he was visting us from florida.its amazing that after all these years to learn that my dad was one of the first employees of the company. You have lost a great person in your life and i hope that you remember all the good times you had with him. take care and my thoughts are with you and your family at this time.

Sincerely

Mary

Joseph Pingitore III

February 16, 2006

Joe and all the members of Ocean State Vintage Haulers would like to express our deepest sympathy at your loss of your beloved husband and our special friend and member who has been so supportive and kind to everyone in our club and to everyone he met.

Joseph Pingitore III, President Ocean State Vintage Haulers ATHS

Vinny Mula

February 15, 2006

Dear Flett family:



I offer you my deepest sympathy.



I will always remember Jim with a smile on his face and that gruffy voice that spoke of trust, honor, and respect. You've given me good advice as well as a great role model to follow. Jim, I credit you with my success today and in the future.



You will be sadly missed, but never forgotten



Your friend,

Johnny Susi

February 15, 2006

Flossi, Jim Jr, Bruce, Im truley sorry for your loss of "The Man Who Captured So Many Hearts" I will miss him dearly as he always had time for me no matter what or where he was i had his full undivided attention and i learned alot from him about antique truck's and equipment and i will never forget all the times i spent with him and i will miss him dearly

The Man Who Captured So Many Hearts

February 15, 2006

Jim & Candy Pashia

February 15, 2006

Our deepest sympathies go out to Flossie and family. We only knew them for a short while, however they were friends we cared about, and Jim will be sorely missed.

Frank Falvey

February 15, 2006

Flossie: I only met Jim a few times---and knew he was a great guy!! Sorry for your loss.

Linda Wheaton

February 15, 2006

To the Flett family,

My deepest condolenses go out to your family on the passing of Jim. I myself did not know him very well but my father Bob Wheaton- had worked for many many years with Flett and had the utmost respect and admiration for him. All of us from the Wheaton family express our sympathy.



Linda Wheaton

Samuel Shin

February 15, 2006

I first met Mr. Flett back in 2000 while serving as a lowly parts guy for a heavy equipment dealer. Between my youth, longish hair, obvious Asian heritage, and Mr. Flett's birthday on December 7th, it would've been all too easy for a man of his generation and stature to dismiss me as one so far beneath his station. But this was not his way. The deference and respect that I was always careful to give him was returned in spades, teaching me a valuable lesson in how true gentlemen were to act.

A couple of years after our first acquaintance, I was promoted to another position in another location. As we shook hands and exchanged goodbyes, he handed me his pleasantly quaint personal card, on the back of which he gravely jotted down his personal home and mobile numbers, in case I needed anything, he said, honoring me all the more. I still carry that card around with me today.

Some men, through their kindness, accomplishments, and good works, live long in the hearts of people like me. Such a man was James W. Flett. Goodbye, Sir.

Dean Benedict

February 14, 2006

I was sorry to learn of Jim's passing. I always looked forward to his warm smile and friendly hand shake. His assistance in the Aleppo Rodeo was greatly appreciated by all of us. I particularly remember how wonderful he was to me the year I served as Illustrious Potentate.

Kara Kozlowski

February 14, 2006

To have met such an amazing man, and to see and feel his incredible generosity is a gift that I was so lucky to have had. My thoughts are with Flossie and Jim's family.

Bob Bloomfield

February 14, 2006

To Joanne and Patty,I am saddened by hearing of Jim's passing.In thinking of him it brought back so many pleasant memories. Beginning at Alma Avenue, when we were both kindergartner's to growing up on Belmont Hill. Coasting on Rutledge Road in the winter, and "helping" the highway department build Lawerance Lane. What a wonderful place to grow up.Even though I haven't seen Jim in the past ten years I'll miss him. All I can say is Semper Fi Big Jim, Rest in peace and forever be surrounded by Mack Trucks. Your pal, Bob Bloomfield

Michael Palmer

February 14, 2006

I was so proud to be a friend of Jim's and being in his company was always a pleasant experience.Gentleman Jim was the most genuine person you could ever be around.A tremendous loss too everyone that knew him.My sincere condolences to his family.



Michael Palmer

and

Joyce Contrada

Fran (Merk) Mercadante

February 14, 2006

To Flossie & Family:



Merk and all the members of the Bay

State Chapter of A.T.C.A.would like to express with great sympathy the loss of a special friend.Jim was a wonderful asset to our club and other clubs, as he was always thinking of others and not himself.It was a pleasure to have him at all the events,showing extreme support and generosity to all the truck clubs. Jim went out of his way to say hello and chat with everybody no matter who it might be.

He will be sadly missed by all.



Merk President

Bay State Chapter A.T.C.A.

Sherry Fichtner

February 14, 2006

For Flossie...

You two are in my thoughts so very often...

Words can not begin to describe the sweetest and dearest of all men ever.

Big Jim altered the lives of all he touched, a feeling that never leaves you, no matter how far.

My heart goes out to you on this St.Valentines Day...

Truly a sad loss for all who had the honor of knowing him.

My memories of Jim were always followed by a heart felt smile,

Now Forever...

All my Love and a Big Hug.

Priscilla Langley/Chamberlin

February 14, 2006

To the Flett Family -



My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss.



I am proud to have known Jim during my high school years in Belmont as my friend, Patty's, big brother, Jim.



In recent years, I always delighted in seeing Jim's trucks on the job in scattered locations throughout New England as an indication of his success in the construction business.



My love to you all..

Carol & Paul Sullivan

February 13, 2006

To Bruce,Carol and all your family.

Our deepest sympathy on your loss.

He is in a better place.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Maureen DiBona

February 13, 2006

To Mrs.Flett and Family,



Please accept our deepest sympathy. Jim was a very good and dear friend of my father. We have you in our thoughts and prayers at this time.

John J. Ryan Family,Waltham,Ma.

Ron Henry

February 13, 2006

To The Flett Family

My deepest sympathy for your loss. I have many fond memories of Jim from my years working for the company. I regret not being there to pay my respects. You are in my thoughts.

James Johnson

February 13, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.



James and Morgan Johnson

Susan and Rich Snyder

February 13, 2006

Please accept our sincerest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Flett family at this time. We will missing seeing Jim at the Christmas party and Passover.

Jim with his 1959 Mack "B" Model & his 1953 Mack CJSWX

February 13, 2006

"The Company" at the 2001, group retirement party

February 13, 2006

Jim and his Macks

February 13, 2006

Obviously....MaryLou was NOT there this day!!!

February 13, 2006

"JW" and his pal Suzie

February 13, 2006

DANNY DEVITO

February 13, 2006

MY dearest prayers to Flossie and family: I met a lot of people in my life, but knowing JIM since 1964,and being one of the lucky ones who JIM intrusted in me totally and went into buisness with me and showed me a lot. God bless you JIM, maybe I'LL be lucky enought to cross paths again. LOVE YA " JIM".

Bill French, Sr.

February 13, 2006

To Bruce, Jim, Jr., Flossie, & Family my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.



With Jim’s passing there will be a lot of reflection of memories past and with someone who meant so much to me I guess we would all like to just have five more minutes to let him know how we felt about him.



Jim Flett was a mentor to me and a person I truly respected. I do not know if there is a person I respected more than Jim, or anyone that I learned more from in matters of life, as well as business. Jim was the type of person, if you needed something, whether it be someone to talk to, or someone to show you the way – his door was always open.



I respected Jim so much as a business man and as a person - I first met him when I was eight years old – tagging along with my older brother Frank. As a youngster I had the honor of working for him throughout my high school years. I saw how he treated others; I witnessed his integrity and strong work ethics. At the age of nineteen, Jim saw enough in me and believed in me to help me get started in business on my own.



As the years passed, he continued to teach me the business. He would show to me – how to conduct business when things were good, and how to get through it when things were tough – but always to maintain your honesty with the people you do business with. Jim only did things one way, the right way. Jim and John Arno teamed up to be two of the best earth movers in the business. Jim has truly set the standard for all of us to follow.

But it was Jim as a person I truly admired the most. He was thoughtful and his integrity was of the highest caliber. Jim never strived to be better than anyone else – he just strived to the best. And he was.



But I think the one thing I will always remember is him saying, “You are as only as good as your name.” And I never forgot that – and I never will. I was always so proud to tell people I worked for Jim Flett and that my brother worked for him as well. I never forgot where I came from.



If I could only have five more minutes with him, I would tell him how much I thought of him, respected him, loved him and – and last but not least I would thank him for being my friend for all of these years and for always being there for me. I hope I was there for him as well.



To my friend, Jim Flett, Sr., Thank you. Where would I be today without you?

Tim & Debbie Brennan

February 13, 2006

We are so sorry for your loss. Jim was such a great person. May fond memories keep his spirit alive and with you always.

Paul Loud

February 13, 2006

To the Flett Family



I wish to express by condolences and to let you know you are in my prayers. All of us who have worked for Jim will greatly miss him.

Ethel Bendove

February 13, 2006

Dear Flossie,



Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Even tho I only saw Jim on rare, but memorable, occassions his presence will be missed.

Shirley Snyder's sister

Sherwin & Shirley Snyder

February 13, 2006

Dear Flossie, Jim Jr. and Bruce,



We are so sorry that we cannot be there with you at this time. We will sorely miss seeing Jim at the truck shows and especially at Passover. Our hearts and prayers are with you at this time.

Bruce Crawford

February 13, 2006

Jim will be missed by all of us. As a Director of the Northeast RockBusters and the HCEA, Jim was so supportive of us. Meetings and shows won't be the same. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Flossie, Jim's family, employees and Susie.

Bob Katz

February 12, 2006

I was so proud to introduce Jim to the 76 Club. I know how much he looked forard to the meetings, and how much each member looked forward to being in his company. How we all enoyed the antique truck meets, the watch fob meets, and just being with Jim and Flossie and Susie.

Our hearts are with you. Bob & Donna

Donna Suskawicz

February 12, 2006

I have never met a man who was as genuine as Jim. Good, kind and thoughtful. A tremendous loss. My sincere condolences to his family.

Bruce & Sue Snyder

February 12, 2006

Dearest Flossie & Family;

We are so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sonny & Peggy Domenichella

February 12, 2006

To the Flett Family.

My deepest condolences go out to you. I wish that I could be there to pay my respects to a great person

I have fond memories of Jim. Being one of his first employees he gave me a sense of friendship & family but still let you know who was boss. To all the remaining employees of the company you have lost a great boss, friend and man.

Sincerely

Sonny & Peggy Domenichella

Cindy Johnson-Cohen

February 12, 2006

To the Flett Family:

We are all so sad for your great loss. Please know that our love and prayers are with you.



Sincerely,



Cindy Johnson-Cohen and children

Russell W Iuliano

February 12, 2006

May the Lord welcome you and grant you peace.

Lou &Pat DiPietro

February 12, 2006

To the family of James W. Flett our hearts go out to you.Jim was a great man and boss,working there was like being with family.I had many good memories in my 18 years there. Wish I could be there to pay my respects to "THE MAN ".God bless him and his family Louie & Patty DiPietro

Kathy Kozlowski

February 12, 2006

I will so miss your wonderful hugs, I've lost a dear wonderful friend who I am so thankful has been a part of my life. Rest in peace Mr. Jim

Love, Kathy

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