Major James “Jim” Patrick Flanagan, age 74, a longtime resident of Leavenworth, KS, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family who loved him beyond measure. Jim was born on June 29, 1947 in Kansas City, MO. He attended St. Patrick and St. Charles Elementary Schools, St. Pius X High School and Rockhurst College on a basketball scholarship.
Jim served 20 years in the Army in Field Artillery. He attended flight school and was deployed to Vietnam as a helicopter pilot with the 176th Assault Helicopter Company and the 101st Airborne Division at Phu Bhi. He was very proud of being an artillery officer and of attending flight school. He married the love of his life, Janice Johnson, on June 29, 1968. They raised her two siblings, Tim and Kathleen, and were also blessed with 2 adopted daughters, Jennifer and Melissa (Missy). The love and affection Jim had for his grandchildren, Zach and Audrey, was evident at all times in his daily life. Upon Jennifer’s death, Jim and Janice lovingly raised their two young grandchildren who they adored.
He enjoyed golfing, hunting, and taking care of his yard and pool, where he spent many hours with his family. After retiring from the Army, Jim worked as a civilian contractor for the Army Research Institute and SAIC. He was President of the Board and helped oversee Riverside Resources when it was built to serve disabled people in their community. When their youngest daughter graduated from high school at age 21, Jim permanently retired to become her caregiver and he and Janice remained an invaluable loving support team for her.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Adele (Pinkelman) Flanagan, brothers, Kevin and Kerry, and sisters, Jean Adele and Sheila Flanagan Carroll. His daughter, Jennifer Flanagan LaVere, passed away in 2013.
Jim is survived by his wife, Janice, of 53 years and daughter, Missy, and grandchildren, Zach and Audrey LaVere, brother-in-law Timothy (Teresa) Johnson and sister-in-law Kathleen (Vince) Vandenberg, niece, Andrea (Jason) Atherton and their 4 boys, nephew, Jeremy Carroll, nephew Brandon Johnson (Marta) and many, many cousins and friends who loved him dearly.
Jim always had a smile on his face and if you asked him how he was he always said, “couldn’t be better!” Jim was the most kind and genuine son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, cousin and friend. His heart was as big as his smile. He was dearly loved and will be missed more than words can say.
His entire family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses at KU Med for all the care they’ve given him over the years. We especially want to express our gratitude to Dr. Tsue and Dr. Powers who were so much a part of his battle with cancer.
A private rosary will be prayed on February 12 at 10:00am at the R. L. Leintz Funeral Home, 4701 10th Ave., Leavenworth, KS. A private burial for family only will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Leavenworth. Jim will receive military honors at the gravesite. A member of St. Andrew Pipes and Drums will also play.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made online at https://www.kucancercenter.org/give.