Donate in Memory of James A. Flynn Jr.

Obituary: James A. Flynn Jr.

Published March 21, 2016

MERRIMAC: Retired Merrimac Police Chief James Flynn Jr., 62, of Merrimac, passed away peacefully at his home, with family by his side on Saturday evening, March 19, after a courageous battle with ALS.

Born in Amesbury on January 14, 1954, he was the son of James Flynn Sr. of Merrimac and the late, Doris (Crossman) Flynn.

A lifelong resident of Merrimac, he was educated in the Merrimac school system and graduated from Pentucket High School and Ricker College.

For 37 years, he faithfully served the town of Merrimac. Jim began his career with the Merrimac police as a dispatcher. After several years as a patrolman, he earned the designation of Police Chief at the young age of 30, a position that he held for 28 years until his retirement in 2011.

Jim’s love for skiing brought him to Ski Bradford where he worked as a ski instructor for more than two decades. Like so many other positions he held, including a coach for his daughters’ softball team, an umpire for Merrimac Little League, Jim loved Ski Bradford because it brought him closer to the community through his family’s interests. In these roles, he made so many connections and friendships that lasted through his final days.

Jim’s interests outside of work included golfing with friends, cooking, and traveling through Disney Vacation Club with his family. He cherished every moment with his family and close friends. He was particularly proud to have recently become a grandfather to Kyle and Quinn. Spending time with them brought him immense joy in his final months.

Survivors in addition to his father, include his loving wife of 38 years, Eileen P. (Carr) Flynn of Merrimac; two daughters, Jennifer S. Conti and her husband, Michael of Haverhill, and Kelly M. Caruso and her husband, Nicholas of Exeter, N.H.; a brother, Charles T. Flynn and his wife, Ellen of Effingham, N.H.; a sister, Susan J. Flynn and her significant other, Andrew Rampulla of Salisbury, Mass.; two grandchildren, Kyle J. Conti and Quinn C. Caruso; as well as two nieces and a nephew, Erin E. Flynn, Francis W. Carr III, and Rachel M. Carr, and an Aunt, Grace P. George, along with several cousins.

Mr. Flynn’s family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to Compassionate Care ALS and to the many friends, including members of Merrimac’s Police and Fire departments for their dedication and care given to Mr. Flynn and his entire family during his illness.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his calling hours on Tuesday, March 22, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Home, 106 Summer Street, Haverhill. His Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 23, at 11 a.m., at the Church of the Nativity, 4 Green Street, Merrimac, MA 01860. Burial will follow in Locust Grove Cemetery, Merrimac. In lieu of flowers, donations in Chief Flynn’s memory may be made to Compassionate Care ALS, Post Office Box 1052 West Falmouth, MA 02574. Condolences to his family may be made at www.farmerfuneralhomes.com.