James Flanagan, third of four sons of Francis J. and Katherine B. Flanagan, was born on March 15, 1928 in Bloomfield, New Jersey and passed away on March 12, 2024 in Bismarck, North Dakota.

After attending Bloomfield schools through the eleventh grade, he entered the Franciscan seminary in Calicoon, New York in September of 1944. After completing high school and two years of college, in 1947 he entered the novitiate in Paterson, New Jersey. In 1950 he earned his BA in philosophy from St. Bonaventure University. After theology studies at Holy Name College in Washington, DC, he was assigned to Siena College in 1954, completing his BS in chemistry in 1956.

After three years of teaching in Buffalo and Calicoon, he began graduate study in 1959 at the University of Notre Dame, where he received his Ph.D. in physical chemistry in 1963.

Jim then returned to Siena College, where he became a full professor of chemistry and headed the science division until 1970.

In the summer of 1970, he began a three-year postdoctoral assignment at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In the summer of 1971, he requested and received a dispensation from religious life.

On July 22, 1972, Jim married Ella Mae (Powell) Wolfe in Greenlawn, New York. His wedding present: five beautiful children - Mary, Margi, Rick, Dan and Matt. In the next two years, Jim and Ella Mae's present to each other was two more children, Julia in 1973 and Jim in 1974.

In the Fall of 1973, Jim began a twenty-two-year teaching career at F.D. Roosevelt High School in Hyde Park, New York. He taught general, Regents and AP chemistry, as well as occasionally teaching Regents physics. In September of 1975, he also began teaching organic chemistry at Dutchess Community College.

Upon retiring, he acquired his first passport, and after so many years of devoting himself to the needs of his children, was able to travel with his beloved Ella Mae. In between trips to visit their children and grandchildren, they were able to make great memories traveling to Ireland twice, to France and Italy, on a mission trip to Ghana and finally to visit Germany and Hungary on a river cruise.

In his last decade, he battled and overcame two types of cancer, endured many surgeries both large and small. All in order to stay by the side of (and care for) Ella Mae, the love of his life. He endured beyond what most could contemplate, out of selflessness, love, and unshakable loyalty.

Jim was predeceased by his daughter Margi Ridgeway and his granddaughters Danielle Flanagan and Kimberly Koppinger. He is survived by his remaining six children and their spouses, as well as his grandchildren Corinna Ridgeway, Samantha Ridgeway, Elizabeth Flanagan, Christopher Koppinger and his wife Charli Fool Bear, Matthew Koppinger, Jazlyn Flanagan, Lil Flanagan, Sophia Flanagan, Thomas Flanagan, Finnian Schmidt and Esme Schmidt.

He is at peace now, with steadfast faith in his eternal reward. He can be assured of the love of those who went before, and those who remain. Dad was a true original, a quiet hero made entirely of heart. He will be missed.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM, Thursday, March 21st at Regina Coeli Church, Rte. 9, Hyde Park.

Inurnment will follow in Our Lady of the Holy Souls Mausoleum at St. Peter's Cemetery, Poughkeepsie.

In lieu of flowers, the Flanagan family respectfully request memorial donations to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. (www.stjude.org)

Local arrangements are by Sweet's Funeral Home, Hyde Park. To send an online condolence or for directions, please visit Jim's obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.