James Francis Flynn

James F. "Jim" Flynn, 88, of West Peoria, passed away on Thursday, September 1, 2022 in his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on July 6, 1934 in Peoria, IL to James Leo and Anna C. Neylon Flynn, and he married Patricia "Trish" Brophy on June 2, 1962 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Peoria. She survives.
Jim and Trish have five children, Bridget (Vince) Kemper of Peoria, Maureen (Bill) Birdoes of West Peoria, Margaret "Peggy" (Tom) Dwyer of West Peoria, Timothy (Katy) Flynn of La Grange Park and James (Tricia Fox) Flynn of Peoria. Jim is the proud grandfather of 19 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his children, grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by his sister, Carol Hopping. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Marikaye, brothers-in-law, Scotty Maas, Marshall Hopping, Jr., Merv Haycock, Jack Kocher, Jim Casey, John Brophy, Bill Brophy and sisters-in-law, Sr. Madeliene Marie Brophy, SSND and Jean Ann Brophy and his grandson, Will Flynn.
Jim graduated from St. Cecelia's Catholic School in 1948 and Spalding Institute in 1952. He proudly served as a member of the United States Naval Reserves from 1953-1961. He joined the Plumbers Union Local 63 in 1953 and was a union member for 69 years, holding offices of President, Assistant Business Manager and Business Manager when he retired in 1993. Additionally, he served as the Vice-President of the Illinois Pipe Trades Association and President of District Council 34 until he retired.
He enjoyed raising his family in West Peoria and being involved in city government by serving as Alderman for the City of West Peoria and Township Trustee of West Peoria Township for many years. He was named Grand Marshal of the West Peoria 4th of July Parade in 2016.
Jim was proud of his Irish heritage and belonged to the St. Patrick's Society of Peoria, the Friends of Clonmel, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, where he chaired many committees and served a term as Vice-President. He was awarded Hibernian of the Year in 1997.
Jim was determined to help his grandchildren live their best life and worked hard raising funds and awareness of the disease, Cystic Fibrosis. He was the co-founder of the Flynn Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis and was involved in countless fundraising efforts of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Peoria. He was honored to receive the Richard Lee Award, the Breath of Life Award in 2011, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Volunteer of the Year Award in 2012.
Jim's favorite sports teams were the Chicago CUBS, Chicago Bears, University of Notre Dame Football and any team on which his grandchildren played. He enjoyed watching the birds and the squirrels, and loved his little dog, Sparky.
Jim was a member of St. Mark's Catholic Church and a past member of the Spalding Council Knights of Columbus.
Visitation will be Sunday, September 4, 2022 at St. Mark's Church in Peoria beginning with recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3:00 PM and visitation following until 7:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, September 5, 2022, at 11:00 AM at the church with an additional visitation one hour before. Due to the Labor Day holiday, burial will be Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 1:00 PM at St. Mary's Cemetery in West Peoria.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Peoria, engage.cff.org/Peoria, Donate Life America, www.donatelife.net, Ronald McDonald House or St. Mark's Parish.
Friends and family may sign the online guestbook by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com.