Joann H. Flinchum

In the early morning hours of May 15th, 2018. Our Mom passed peacefully into the presence of God. Joann was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, James L. Flinchum. She is survived by her children, J. Michael Flinchum (Marcia) and Sherry Koberstein (Mike); her grandchildren, Rhiann, Rebecca (Scott), Kristen, James (Melissa) and Kaitlyn; her great-grandchildren, Caleb, Elise, and Annette; and by her dear friend, Sally Miller. Joann grew up as an only child of Hubbard and Velma Heath, in a small rural area between Shawnee and Seminole, Oklahoma. At Varnum High School she met Jim Flinchum. After graduation Jim joined the Navy to serve two years until WWII ended. Jim came home and proposed to Joann in 1946, and they were married shortly after on June 7, 1946. After the birth of their two children, the family soon moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Jim quickly found work as a carpenter, and Joann eventually began work at Sandia Labs. In 1971, Joann left Sandia Labs, and she and Jim started the Flinchum Construction Company. Her years of clerical work served her well as a fundamental partner in the business. In 1998, after 27 years of hard work and success, Jim and Joann sold their business to retire. Through the years Joann and Jim were very active in their churches, which included Parkview Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Tijeras, and Eastern Hills Baptist Church. In 1976 Joann joined a few others from Parkview and went on her first mission trip to El Salvador with International Crusades. In 1978 Jim joined with Joann in short-term mission trips that took them all over the world. Joann’s strong Christian faith sustained her through many challenges in life. She continued to go on mission trips until her health began to fail at age 84. Joann had many friends. She will be remembered for her love for God, for her family, for ministry (especially her missions trips) and her love of work. And Mom loved a good joke. She will be missed. The family would like to thank Brookdale on Juan Tabo and High Desert Hospice for their excellent care of mom. A service of remembrance will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2018, 11:00 a.m. at Eastern Hills Baptist Church, 3100 Morris St NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111. Interment will take place on Saturday, June 30, 2018, 11:00 a.m., at Resthaven Cemetery in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Please visit our online guest book for Joann at www.FrenchFunerals.com