James R. "Jim" Flynn

James Robert “Jim” Flynn, age 88, of North Pekin, Illinois and formerly of Brown County, passed away at 5:55 a.m. on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the Hopedale Medical Complex Nursing Home in Hopedale, Illinois.

He was born February 26, 1933 in Pea Ridge Township of Brown County, Illinois the son of Joseph Daniel and Margaret Monckton Flynn.  He married Viola Deane Wainman on April 9, 1960 in Jacksonville, Illinois and she survives. 

Mr. Flynn worked as a truck driver for several years through the Teamsters Local 627 in Peoria, Illinois.  Later in life he was a bus driver for North Pekin Marquette Heights School District # 102 and he also worked for the City of Marquette Heights mowing and taking care of the ball diamonds.  

Jim graduated from St. Mary's Academy in Mt. Sterling. 

Mr. Flynn was a veteran of the Korean War having served his country in the United States Army. 

Jim was of the Catholic faith and attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin, Illinois.  He was also a member of the Amvets Post #168, Pekin Moose Lodge 916, where he volunteered to mow and maintain the lodges yard.  Jim was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and always enjoyed attending the Brown County Fair, where he never missed a year, except when he was serving his country in the Army.

Survivors include his wife,Viola  Deane Flynn of Pekin, Illinois.  4 children Kathy Grady (Larry) of Mt. Sterling, Illinois, Doug Flynn (Cathy Geier) of Pekin, Illinois, Crystal Englebright of North Pekin, Illinois and John Flynn (Barb) of Pekin, Illinois.  5 grandsons Eric Grady (Kelly), Lance Grady (Renee), Ryan Englebright (Stefanie), Jarrod Flynn (Heather) and Jacob Flynn (Jill).  12 great grandchildren Carlee, Camryn, Lakin, Colton, Logan, Rylee, Wyatt, Olivia, Laney, Kanon, Brady and Kohen also survive along with several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers J. D. and Raymond Flynn and 1 grandson Brett Englebright. 

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 5, 2021 in the Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling with his son in law, Larry Grady officiating.  Family and friends will also be able to watch the funeral services on Jim’s obituary page of the funeral home website, hendrickerfuneralhome.com.  

Burial will follow in the Versailles West Side Cemetery.  A military service will be conducted at the graveside by the Illinois National Guard Funeral Honors Detail and the Mt. Sterling American Legion Post #374.  

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.   Social distancing guidelines should be followed and face masks are requested to be worn.

A celebration of life will also be held on Saturday, May 8, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Pekin Moose Lodge #916, 2605 Broadway Street, Pekin, Illinois.  

Memorials are suggested to the St. Mary’s School or the Pekin Moose Lodge #916. 

Condolences for the family may be left online at hendrickerfuneralhome.com. 

The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling is assisting the family with the arrangements. 

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