James E. Flanagan

Born July 31, 1928, in Clearfield, he was the son of James L. (Slim) and Levina M. (Kennedy) Flanagan.

He is survived by a brother, John Richard and his wife, Carolyn of Clearfield, four sisters: Margaret V. Bell, Patricia L. Rumfola and her husband, Jack of Clearfield, Carol A. Anderson and husband Joel, of Bainbridge Island, WA and Joan E. Domico and husband, Patrick of Curwensville and many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by three brothers; Leon, Sheridan (Bud) and Terrill Lee (Terry) Flanagan, and one sister, Rosemary Hoy.

Jim was a graduate of St. Francis High School, Clearfield.

He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy for twenty years and faithfully served from January 14, 1948 to August 23, 1967.

He served in the Korean war combat cruise (he received 2 combat stars),Cuban Crisis and Vietnam. Jim was a radio operator, radar man second class, chauffeur for upper staff members such as colonels. He was on the first assault aircraft carrier. Thetis Bay, after which he was shipped over to Korea to help retrieve (undetonated) bombs from the bottom of the ocean floor. He served on the USS Gardiners bay 9Air recovery outside Hong kong), W.A.S.P., USS Shangri-La, USS Malloy, USS Boston (he received 3 combat stars) and the Kearsarge. He had been stationed in many places such as Korea, Pego-Pogo, Hawaii, China & Hong Kong. During this time he receive various medals: Korean Service medal, China Service medal and the Good Conduct medal among others. Jim even had a small part in the making of the movie "Caine Mutiny" in which the production company used the ship, and crew in the movie.

In his retirement he held a variety of jobs; working for the Post Office in New Jersey, Curwensville High School custodial work and bar tender at the former Hyde Hotel.

He was a member of a number of organizations; Clearfield American Legion, John Lewis Shade Post #6, Clearfield VFW #1785 and Clearfield Eagles Club.

Jim was an avid walker and reader, a soft spoken guy who was a friend to all who came in contact with him.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held at St. Francis Catholic Church, Clearfield Thursday, December 12, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. Interment will be a later date at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to Bennett and Houser Funeral Home Inc., 312 East Locust Street, Clearfield, Pa 16830.

Bennett and Houser Funeral Home, Inc. are in charge of the arrangements.