Cobb, WI - James C. O’Flahrity, age 87, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2015, at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Fennimore, WI, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born on April 1, 1928, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Dodgeville, WI, the only child of James Patrick and Bertha (Hugill) O’Flahrity.
Jim spent his early years on his grandfather’s (Thomas O’Flahrity) section of land in Wingville Township. He proudly told many stories of the days that he lived there and how much his grandfather meant to him.
At the age of 10, Jim and his parents moved to an 80 acre farm just north of Cobb. Following his graduation from Cobb High School in 1946, he farmed with his father and then on his own until he retired in 1992 and moved to the Village of Cobb.
On June 14, 1960, Jim married JoAnn Harty in Shullsburg. Together they raised four beautiful children - Maureen (Jeff) Brunker of Madison; Kathleen (Kris) Meuer of Cobb; Colleen (Mark) Fingerson of Cobb and Jim (Mary Evans) O’Flahrity of Fitchburg.
He and JoAnn shared 55 loving years together. They took many memorable motorcoach tours throughout the United States and Canada. He was especially happy to have made two trips to Ireland with his family and friends, as he was very proud of his Irish heritage. In his later years he enjoyed trips to Northern Wisconsin, Colorado and Nashville with his children and grandchildren.
A man of strong faith, Jim was a member of Ss. Anthony and Philip Parish in Highland. He was honored to be a 4th degree member of the Highland Knights of Columbus Council.
He took great pride in his 10 grandchildren- Erin, Brianna and Bobby Brunker; Megan, Patrick, and Shawn Meuer; Paige and Colin Fingerson; and James (Morgan) and Edward (Donovan) O’Flahrity. The wonderful times they spent with Grandpa and Grandma O’Flahrity will remain with them forever.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws Ray & Clara Harty; and his sisters-in-law, Clara Grogan and Sister Marian Harty.
He is survived by his loving wife, JoAnn, his four children and their spouses, his 10 grandchildren, a brother-in-law, Max Grogan and a nephew Bryan (Angela) Grogan and their daughter Lucy.
A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Philip Catholic Church in Highland on January 1, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Jim Murphy officiating. Burial will be in the St. Philip Cemetery in Highland. Friends may call from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, December 31, 2015 at the Soman-Larson Funeral Home in Montfort and from 10:00 am until the time of service at St. Philip Church in Highland.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr. Kenneth Valyo; Dr. Peter Mullen; Dr. John Lehman and the nurses and staff at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Fennimore for the loving care Jim received.
Jim truly enjoyed life to the fullest. He was a loving and dedicated son, husband, father, grandfather and friend. His strong faith, love of family and valued friendships are what made him the wonderful man he was. He will be greatly missed by everyone who had the privilege and honor of knowing him.
“May Irish blessings be in your heart and any troubles soon depart. May sunny skies shine in your land and God and his angels stay close at hand.”