James Goodwin Flanagan

Sadly Fauquier County and Virginia have lost an outstanding career educator, historian, and gentleman farmer. James Goodwin Flanagan, 78, of Sumerduck Virginia passed away on December 28, 2023 at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He is survived by his wife Beverly Cone Flanagan, of Arlington VA, daughter Kelly Flanagan Shaw (Ed) of Chesterfield VA, son Patrick Goodwin Flanagan (Catherine) of Round Hill VA. He is further survived by four grandchildren, Edward, William, Riley and Allie, as well as three step grandchildren, Jessica, Richard and Alec. He is preceded in death by his parents, Olonza Flanagan and Bernice Kidd Flanagan and his sister, Brenda Flanagan Greyer, and his former wife, the mother of his children, Teresa Rose Flanagan.

Jim was born and raised in Fluvanna County Virginia, near the James River. Jim’s rural upbringing cultivated his love for family, neighbors, school, sports, church and nature. He developed a profound respect for academics and intense delight when fishing on the river and playing pick-up ball games in the neighborhood, including with his mother and sister Brenda In church Jim was an active participant in all services and could be counted on for any role needed for assembly programs. Whether it was bringing gifts as the Magi, acting as junior minister on Youth Day, or singing in choir or solo for Christian Celebration Pageants, everyone knew little Jimmy Flanagan.

After high school Jim’s passion for learning inspired him to leave his home and all things familiar with $350 dollars and a suitcase. Jim landed at Frederick College in Portsmouth, Virginia. Because of his tremendous work ethic and desire for a degree Jim took campus odd jobs and lobbied for special exception on campus to have a car. This car was a modified hearse which became the campus Uber. The hearse made a recognizable newspaper and pizza delivery icon on campus. With multiple academic grants and his work ethic, Jim received his Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1967.

Remaining in Virginia, Jim embarked as a career middle school earth science teacher, husband and father in Woodbridge. During this time Jim furthered his own education while working as an educator. Graduate work was different then. One had to be physically present in class. It was with years of many miles and redirected summer vacation time, Jim secured his Master’s Degree with honors in Earth Science and Biology, from Randolph Macon College (Randy Mac) in Lynchburg, Virginia in 1973. After obtaining his Master’s Degree Jim continued to teach earth science in middle school as well as occasional courses at local community colleges.

An avid sports fan, Jim trained as an ASA umpire after his successful tenure coaching high school girls’ softball. To further promote the sport, he became the ASA Softball Commissioner for the Bull Run Officials Association. Although professionally he was an earth science and biology teacher, his passion for his native state of Virginia and its history consumed him in the last half of his life. Starting as a member of the Rappahannock Men’s History Group, he founded a co-ed history roundtable in Fauquier County.

Jim found joy in maintaining all aspects of a gentleman’s farm, including a three acre lawn, over one mile of fencing, a freshwater pond yielding a record seven pound bass, and we won’t mention the poundage of numerous catfish over the years. Flower gardening took precedence over vegetables and he was proud to have been selected as an experimental Jackson-Perkins rose grower. Jim’s love for nature and all God’s creatures was evident with his over 20 years collaboration with ASPCA Horse Rescue to adopt and maintain abandoned or mistreated equines. For several years Jim worked with Ducks Unlimited and duck box distribution to area ponds. He also participated in the juvenile mallard duck placement to habitats.

Remarried in 2007 to Beverly June Cone, Jim gained an in-house nurse and a six year old grandson. Sumerduck Wood Farm took on a new energy. Together they continued to rescue horses and dogs and collect barn kitties, who were more interested in Little Friskies than in mice.

Life was good at Sumerduck Wood. The Sumerduck Croquet League was born at Sumerduck Wood and contributed several champions to the annual Colonial Beach Croquet tournament. Currently that beautiful farm is blessed with new owners who have showered it with TLC. Jim’s presence is missed at the farm and among his friends in the Sumerduck Croquet League.

The Pinnacle of Jim's Career as an Educator, was being voted Outstanding Adjunct Professor for 2018 over all 5 campuses of Lord Fairfax Community College, now known as Laurel Ridge.

To honor Jim and his tenure with the college, we are requesting that in lieu of flowers. please donate to the James G. Flanagan Memorial Fund,

Science Department, Fauquier Campus.

Go online to: laurelridge.edu/donate or with a check payable to Laurel Ridge Foundation, 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA. 22645. Please designate Fauquier Campus Science Department.