Flaherty, James T.
Jim Flaherty was the man. Period. He will remain in the memories of his family and friends as a person of great wisdom, strength, and most of all, love. He will be missed by many—most of all by his wife of 50 years, Andrea née Fox, who was by his side through thick and thin, always, until the end, and still. He will forever be remembered for his kindness by his four sons, Ethan, Jameson, Brendan, and Luke; his daughters-in-law, Rachel, Seraphim, Liz, and Kat; and his five grandsons, Johnny, Bowen, Wyatt, Caden, and Pete. He was born in Lockport, New York, on November 16, 1946, to Jack and Jean Bowen Flaherty. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Michael Flaherty. Besides his immediate family, he leaves his sister, Ann Smith (David), and his cousin, Tommy Markley (Laura). He also leaves his brothers-in-law, Jeffrey Fox (Marlene) and Michael Fox (Kathie), many nieces and nephews, and a host of Fox family members. On an N.R.O.T.C scholarship, Jim attended Tufts University, where he played football and acquired the nickname “Flash,” as he is known by many friends. Jim was in the Navy from 1968-1974. He served a tour of duty in VietNam, where he was exposed to Agent Orange. As a Lieutenant, Jim worked at the Pentagon in the Navy Office of Legislative Affairs. After the Navy, he graduated from SUNY Buffalo law school in the top ten percent of his class. In law school, he played for the Buffalo Rugby club. He played rugby for many years on teams in Boston, Washington D.C., Buffalo, and finally, with the Hartford Wanderers. Jim and Andrea lived in Canton for 40 years before moving to Old Saybrook. He practiced law in Connecticut for 45 years, most recently at Flaherty Legal Group, LLC, a family law firm that he founded in West Hartford. Jim was a wise and compassionate advocate for his clients. Unwavering in conflict, he brought to bear thorough preparation and unflappable determination when cases went to trial. His peers and former clients probably won’t forget him or his iconic mustache either. Jim wasn’t a big talker. He helped many in legal and business trouble, and he held their confidence dear. A football- and rugby-playing veteran and litigator, he still called his adult sons “sweetie.” His family always knew how much he loved them, and how much he was loved, and always will be. He died unexpectedly at Smilow Cancer Hospital, shortly after a diagnosis. But to his family, that is just a detail in a life well-lived and continuing on in our hearts and actions. Visiting hours will be held Friday, February 24, from 4-7 pm at Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon, beginning with a brief prayer service by Father Michael Whyte and closing with military honors. A celebration of life and remembrances will take place at Hopmeadow Country Club in Simsbury on Saturday, February 25, from 1-4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory are welcome to the Canton Land Trust, PO BOX 41, Canton Center, CT 06020, cantonlandtrust.org/donations; Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Road, Canton, CT 06019; and the Cornfield Point Association, 27 Town Beach Road, Old Saybrook, CT 06475. For condolences or directions please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.