James "Jim" Riley Flannery

April 13, 1929 - January 26, 2020

On Sunday, January 26, 2020 James Riley Flannery, age 90, passed away peacefully in Tomahawk WI. with his four children by his side. Jim was born April 13, 1929, in Pelican Lake, WI to Clifford M. and Mabel C. (Kornely) Flannery. Jim grew up in Pelican Lake and Jennings, WI. He was 1 of 14 siblings. He entered the U. S. Air Force at a young age. A natural leader, was quickly promoted to Sergeant, based at Wurtsmith SAC Air Force base, Oscoda MI. It was there that he met and wed, the love of his life, Myrna (Riebow). Shortly after, Jim was deployed to Korea as a crash and rescue fire fighter. Following his service, Jim graduated from Michigan State University in 1958 on the G.I. Bill. While there he became a member of the Inter-Collegiate Pistol team and received the All-American Award from the United States Revolver Association. His career continued and eventually took him to the Chicago area. He was a dedicated employee of Sears Roebuck & Co. as Chief of Security with Sears Roebuck & Co., eventually managing over 250 uniformed officers at the Catalog distribution Center and Sears Tower. After 33 years with Sears, Jim took an early retirement, and went back to his roots. He and Myrna built a home on Lake Metonga, while wintering in Largo, FL. They loved being on the water and spending time with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the extended family that lives locally. Jim was a true family man and an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, racing and riding horses. As a young man his pride and joy was a war horse named “Smokey”. His adoration for competition led him to racing Smokey and challenging anything on wheels to try and beat him. Legend has it, he even outran the Chicago Northwest train that ran through Northern Wisconsin. Hunting and fishing was a great pleasure for him as long as his brothers, or sisters, nephews, nieces, cousins or any relation or friend were a part of it. His prized Plott hound, “Molly” was always by his side unless she was chasing down a bear, bobcat or coyote. He lived in the moment and loved every second of the hunt. The love of water made him a great fisherman. He conquered the elusive muskie, but never gave up on “the one that got away”. Muskie tournaments, fishing and fishing stories were always a big part of family time that he treasured and looked forward to with any of his relation. Jim was a devoted husband to Myrna and they were married for 64 years. Myrna preceded him death. Jim is survived by his 4 children: Shelley (Jim) Pasma, Carla (Butch Feldheiser) Harvey, James “Jake” (Janice) and Lynn (Steve) Livas. 8 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Sisters; Sally Pyka, Karen Guth, Linda (David) Offner, Cindy (Bob) Matheny, Joan Marsalli, his brother Alan (Marsha) Flannery and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Myrna, his parents Clifford and Mabel, as well as his siblings; Wade, Melvin, Joe, Robert, Betty, Alice and Mary. Services for Jim will be held at St. Lukes United Methodist church, Crandon, with Pastor Adam Wood officiating. Visitation 9:00 a.m. – 11 :00 a.m Saturday, February 1, 2020. Service to follow. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.weberhillfuneralhome.com The family would like to thank the staff at Milestone Senior Living Tomahawk, for their loving daily care and doting attention. Also, the exceptional staff at Ascension Hospital in Tomahawk and the wonderful people at Ministry Hospice. Memorial donations may be made to Forest County Humane Society.