James Jim Allen Flynn

Jim Flynn passed away Saturday, March 12, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Portland, Oregon to James Vincent and Ruth Green Flynn. He attended Madeleine Catholic grade school before attending Central Catholic High School (1947-1951). He was a champion tennis player at CCHS, winning the State High School Doubles with Mike Walsh (1949) and the Singles in 1951 while student body president. He was inducted into the CCHS Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.

Jim pursued his college education at the University of Portland (1951-1955), where he earned his BS in Business. He won the 4-year Business College Award. Again he excelled in the sport of tennis. He was a number one player as a freshman and part of the men's tennis team, which had 79 consecutive wins 1952-1956 under Coach Mike Tichy. Jim was inducted into the U of P Athletic Hall of Fame in1995.

In his senior year at U of P Jim married Alexia Schneider and went to Hawaii to serve two years in the US Air Force. He told many stories about his time as athletic officer. He won the PAC Air Force tennis title in 1957. The couple's first two children, Jim and Tim, were born during that time.

After his time in the Air Force, Jim and Alexia made their home in Portland in the Madeleine Parish. Their family grew to include six children: Jim E.,Tim, Mike, Pat, Ann and Peter. Jim and Alexia were married for 26 years and later divorced.

Jim worked in the insurance business for 25 years, but always remained active in the tennis world. He was a member of the Irvington Club and part of a group instrumental in establishing the Portland Tennis Center in 1973 and St. Johns Racquet Center in 1980. The two centers were the first public indoor tennis facilities on the West Coast. He later became Portland Parks' first Tennis Director (1981). Jim developed outstanding tennis programs for young and old at the PTC and courts throughout the city. He was inducted into the USTA Pacific Northwest Hall of Fame in 2012 for his, "significant contribution to the sport of tennis”. He believed every child deserved a chance to learn to play tennis.

In 1989 Jim married Ann Sheridan. He volunteered with PAL, The Community Transitional School for eleven years and contributed to many educational groups. He and Ann, his wife of 26 years. enjoyed retirement years golfing, gardening and visiting Hawaii.

Jim is survived by his wife Ann Sheridan, sisters Jean Mitchell and Kathleen Cunningham, brother, John Flynn (Carmel); children Jim, Tim (Linda), Michael (Anne), Pat Davis (Ken), Ann Makar (Brian), and Peter (Robin), plus thirteen grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Jim wanted to be remembered for his, “optimistic Irish humor”.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Central Catholic High School, University of Portland or a charity of your choice.

May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sunshine warm upon your face, And the rains fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.