James M. “Jim” Flaherty, Sr. 78, passed away September 3rd, 2020, at home after an extended illness surrounded by his loving family and close friends.
Born in Haverhill, he was the son of the late Maurice C. and Pearl E. (Horne) Flaherty. Raised and educated in Haverhill, he attended Sacred Hearts School and graduated in the Class of 1960 from Haverhill Trade School. Upon graduation from high school, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed on the Proteus in Dunoon Scotland, earning 3rd Class Petty Officer’s rank. During his time there, Jim met and began to fall in love with a young woman named Jean Coggins. One day when she shared that before their meeting she had applied to come to work in the United States and that she just received her date and location to leave; Jim thought that meant the end of their relationship. However, when she asked him if he knew where Andover, Massachusetts was, he knew he found his life partner and soul mate.
After leaving the Navy, Jim began his forty-seven-year career working for the City of Haverhill Public Works and proudly working his way through the ranks from laborer to Superintendent of the Highway Department. He loved taking care of his city nearly as much as his family. His excitement blossomed at the hint of a major snowstorm, and his children reveled in being the first kids in the city to know that school was canceled. He regularly created projects to beautify or create a special occasion for the residents. The one that made his heart overflow was when he and his department worked to create Santa’s Workshop on the Bradford Green Park and watched it grow over several years. Jim loved the holidays but especially enjoyed that this project collected toys to be distributed to children that may not otherwise experience gifts and a joyful Christmas. In addition to the formal holidays, Jim just loved any opportunity to bring his family and friends together to celebrate and have fun. Jim loved people and had a wide circle of friends; he enjoyed traveling with, navigating a boat ride up the Merrimack on a warm summer day, dining out, or watching a youth sports game, especially hockey. Additionally, he relished a great day of fishing, a good round of golf, or a weekend away with family and friends in their treasured condo at Linderhoff Mountain.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of fifty-six years, Jean M. Flaherty, his daughter, Dr. Dorothy A. Flaherty, his sons James M. Flaherty, Jr, and his wife Linda; John C. Flaherty and his wife Stacey; and Kevin P. Flaherty, all from Haverhill. His beloved grandchildren, Christina and her husband Michael, James M. Flaherty III, Gavin M. Flaherty, Hayden C. Flaherty, and Morgan R. Flaherty; he was so excited to gain a new great-grandaughter, Alina, upon the marriage of his dearest Christina to Michael Hurtado. His sister, Elizabeth Bradley, and her husband Richard of Bradford; He was predeceased by his brother, Maurice C. Flaherty, Jr; as well as his treasured sister and brother-in-law Mary and Robert Greenwood, and several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Monday, September 7 from 4:00PM until 7:00PM at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. Funeral services will begin on Tuesday morning at the funeral home at 9:00AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church, 165 South Main Street, Haverhill. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Salem Street, Bradford. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to: St. Jude’s Childrens’ Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com
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James Tzitzon says
September 3, 2020 at 8:31 pmMy deepest sympathies. Sorry to hear of his passing.
Keith / Anne Nelson says
September 3, 2020 at 9:14 pmLinda and Jimmy, Anne and I would like to send our Sincere Condolences tou you and your Faimly
Norma Selby says
September 3, 2020 at 10:01 pmSome of my favorite holidays were spent with the my Haverhill family either us visiting them or them coming down to Norfolk to us. So many adventure, so much fun, such great memories. Uncle Jimmy, you are loved and will be missed. I wish I could be up there with the family, my prayers and thoughts are with you all. All my love, Norma
Linda M Motta says
September 4, 2020 at 1:50 amSuch a wonderful man. Our deepest sympathy to Jean. Dorothy and the rest of the family.
Love the Motta family
Kathi Gallant says
September 4, 2020 at 1:52 amMy memories of cross country skiing, trips to Ireland, lunch on the second floor of City Hall and many others will always make me smile when I think of Jim. He always had a smile on his face and his loud voice could be heard from floor to floor at the Hall. Loved him dearly and I will always remember the love and pride he had for his family. May he Rest In Peace knowing he left his mark in this City. Jean, he was one lucky guy to have had you by his side and he knew it! My deepest sympathy to each of you.
Love & Prayers
Normand Paquette says
September 4, 2020 at 2:45 amMy deepest sympathies and condolences to the Flaherty family. I knew Mr. Flaherty for many years. He always took the time to stop and talk with me whenever our paths crossed. His smile was sincere as was his caring nature. I particularly enjoyed our time at ski Bradford and his one liners as I was taking a group of kids up the lift for a lesson. He always made me laugh. I will miss him as will so many others. He was a genuine gentleman.
Patricia Mourtada says
September 4, 2020 at 5:23 amJohn and Stacey and family, May your dad Rest In Peace. 🙏 Deepest sympathy
Patricia Mourtada says
September 4, 2020 at 5:24 amJohn and Stacey and family, May your dad Rest In Peace. 🙏 Love, cousin Patsy.
Anonymous says
September 4, 2020 at 7:39 pmDr. Flaherty, I was saddened to hear of the loss of your father. It is never easy to say goodbye to a loved one. My sympathies to you, your mom and family. Micky Corbett
Lara Collins says
September 4, 2020 at 10:56 pmDot,
Your father seems like he was an amazing, kind person beloved by so many.
My sincere condolences,
Lara Collins
Kristine Twombly says
September 6, 2020 at 4:39 pmJean, Dot, Jimmy, Johnny, and Kevin and extended family,
I was so saddened and sorry to hear that Jim had passed away. I have such great memories of growing up and being over at your house constantly when we were young. Jim was always so kind to me and always welcomed me with a smile. He will be missed and forever in my heart.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Love, Kris Twombly/Guerin
John Gregg says
September 7, 2020 at 12:55 pmJohn and Jim,
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this tough time.
John
Dorothy O’Leary says
September 8, 2020 at 12:28 pmJean
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family for your loss
You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time
May Jim RIP
Ray and Dorothy
Kathleen S Monahan Light says
September 9, 2020 at 6:52 pmDear Flaherty Family,
My grandmother was Jimmy’s aunt (Maurice’s sister) Eileen ‘Flaherty, and I recall her speaking fondly of him years ago. We are all related, and we feel the loss of a family member no matter where we live and no matter how many decades apart we are. Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your patriarch, Jimmy Sr, wishing you all peace, and hoping we will one day meet and toast to our family in heaven. RIP Cousin.
Maureen O'Flaherty says
September 10, 2020 at 3:52 pmDear Flaherty Family,
My deepest sympathy to all the Flaherty family, on the passing of James. I’ve never met any of you, because I live in Ireland. I too am an O’Flaherty. My family came from the same area in Ireland. My late father would have wanted me to do this. May James rest in peace.
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