James William Flaherty
March 13, 1926 ~ January 4, 2007
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville - James William Flaherty, 80, of Lakeshore Drive, died Thursday, January 4, 2007, in the John F. Keever Hospice Solace Center.
A native of Bardstown, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Edward and Lula Downs Flaherty and was also preceded in death by a brother, Joseph E. Flaherty.
Mr. Flaherty retired from the State Farm Insurance Co. in 1995 with 30 years service and was a member of St. Eugene’s Catholic Church. He was a graduate of the Bowling Green College of Commerce, which is now a part of Western Kentucky University and an Army veteran of World War II, serving in the 12th Engineer Combat Battalion with the 8th Infantry Division and received two Bronze Stars during his service. He also was a proud member of the Kentucky Colonels.
Mr. Flaherty is survived by his wife, Ruth Dickenson Flaherty; two sons, J. William Flaherty, Jr., wife Darlene, of Asheville and Kevin Flaherty, wife Amanda, of Alpharetta, GA; three grandchildren, Evan Matthew Flaherty, James William “Trey” Flaherty and Melanie Brooke Flaherty and one brother, the Rev. Father Ivan Malachy Flaherty of Huntsville, Utah.
A prayer service will be held at 11:00 am Monday in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hospice Foundation, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.
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Ruth and Kevin,
I am sorry to here of your loss. I have many fond memories of Bill down in the basement bar with a big smile on his face.
I know you will both miss him very much.
Fond Regards,
Ivan
Dear Ruth, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. All our love, Jerry and Mary Beth Reams
Dear Ruth and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We have fond memories of Bill and will keep those in our hearts.
Love, David and Ginger
Ruth and Family, I remember well when Bill came to work for us in Wachovia’s Retail Lending Operation when you first moved to Asheville. He had worked for GMAC and a part of his territory was Zunita’s hometown. He had a smiling always congenial personality. We are thinking of you and hope in some small way it helps to know that others do care. Joe and Zunita
Dear Ruth,
We were very sad to hear the news of Bill. We will keep you and your family in our hearts and in our prayers during this time. I will always remember him and all the good times at Pine Mountain.With Love,
Lynn, Robert, and Leah
I will truly miss ‘Uncle’ Bill. I will never forget who taught me how to play pool. He’s crossed that bridge to heaven and we shall see him when our day comes as well.
My sympathy and condolences to everyone. I love you ‘Aunt’ Ruth and hope that you are doing well as can be expected. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Bill Darlene you know our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
turby
Please know you & your sons are in my prayers. Bill will be missed, but we know he is now in a better place.
To the Flaherty Family:
We are sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy to your entire family. We have known Dr. Flaherty for over 25 years and are sure that he must have had a terrific mother and father to turn out to be such a fine person. Our prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
The Williams Family
Mike, Debbie, Missy, Nick and Mat
Dear Ruth,
We are so saddened to hear of Bill’s passing but may the thought of him rejoicing in the Kingdom of God bring you and your family comfort. We pray that God will hold you, guide you and sustain you at this time and know that others mourn with you. Love, Rick and Betty
Every body at the HOT SHOT CAFE send there blessing and parys to you all.
ALMA,DARLENE.MARY
Dear Ruth, my prayers are with you and your family. May God comfort you and keep you.
Robert Eaton
My dear Ruth and family
EE and I would so love to be with you for the memorial service. We love our memories of Bill (especially on the golf course). He made us all laugh a lot.!!
Martha and EE
Dear Mrs. Flaherty, Bill , and Kevin,
Marcia and I were saddened to hear of your loss and we send our love and prayers to all of you in this difficult time. I have always remebered the love and caring that Mr. Flaherty had for his family and that he shared with his friends. We should all be so blessed as he was; to have such a long, full life with such wonderful family and great friends.
With Love and prayers,
Tim & Marcia Branson
Dear Aunt Ruth, Kevin and little Bill,
I just wanted to let you know that your entire family has and continues to be in my prayers. Now dad has is bud with him. See you soon.
Love to all,
Mimi (Flaherty) Bongiorno
Ruth
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Myrna & Jim
Bill was one of the finest men I have ever known. My heart and prayers go out to the Family.
Bill,
I ran into Turby today at the Hot Shot Cafe and he told me about your dad. Although it’s been a long time ago, I remember him fondly as a warm and caring person who connected with all us Goon Gangers with great interest and enthusiasm. Mary and I send our love and prayers out to you, Kevin , your mom, and all the family. May God’s peace and comfort be with you all.
TD
DEAR, RUTH,BILLY AND KEVEN.
I WAS SO SORRY TO HERE THE NEWS ABOUT BILL. I WILL KEEP YOU GUY’S IN MY PRAYERS! I LOVED AND RESPECTED BILL A LOT. HE WAS A TRUE AND GREAT FRIEND TO MY MOM AND DAD. HE WILL BE MISSED BY US ALL! I KNOW HE IS IN A BETTER PLACE WHATCHING A HORSE RACE OR JUDGING A BLUEGRASS BAND. I WILL NEVER FORGET MY PARENTS KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY WHEN BILL CAME DRESSED LIKE COL.SANDERS!
I CAN STILL SEE HIM SITTING ON THE SIDE PORCH INSTRUCTING US ON THE REAL WAY TO PLAY CROQUET.
WE LOVE YOU GUY’S AND PLEASE LET US KNOW IF WE CAN DO ANYTHING TO HELP!
JIM AND JAMI LEWIS
The news is all too sad But, that man will never be forgoten. I would have to say that my fondest memory of Bill Would have to be the ‘derby parties’ With the whole crew. Paul & Kat, Bob & Mary and, of cores Bill & Ruth. He was the best dressed man their. Plad vest, green bow tie and, green derby.
The memories will live forever and, my love & heart go with you and, your family.
Love,
Bobby Lewis
Dear ‘Missy Ruth,’?
I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s death. He was truly loved by all. I have such wonderful memories, including (but not limited to) vacations at the Buccaneer, Derby parties and being the insurance man/friend who suggested I take home a bag of pastries before I told Dad I wrecked the car.
He was so very special to both mom and dad. I can still see Bill and Mary dancing ‘? what a pair!
Please know that I will continue to lift you up in prayer. I miss you terribly.
All my love,
Beth
Dear Ruth, It has been so long since we last saw you, but will always remember your friendship with Mary Frances and Harry. I treasure the pictures we have of both you and Bill at our wedding. Great memories……Peace in Christ, Mike and Teenie Green