Retired Merrimac Police Chief James Flynn Jr., 62, of Merrimac, passed away peacefully at his home with family by his side Saturday night, March 19, after battling ALS.
Born in Amesbury, Jan. 14, 1954, he was the son of James Flynn, of Merrimac, and the late Doris (Crossman) Flynn. A lifelong resident of Merrimac, he was educated in the Merrimac school system and graduated from Pentucket High School and Ricker College. For 37 years, he served the town of Merrimac. Flynn began his career with the Merrimac police as a dispatcher. After several years as a patrolman, he earned the designation of police chief at the young age of 30, a position he held for 28 years until his retirement in 2011.
Flynn’s love of skiing brought him to Ski Bradford where he worked as a ski instructor for more than two decades. Like so many other positions he held including a coach for his daughters’ softball team and an umpire for Merrimac Little League, he loved Ski Bradford because it brought him closer to the community through his family’s interests. His interests outside of work included golfing with friends, cooking and traveling through Disney Vacation Club with his family. He was particularly proud to have recently become a grandfather to Kyle and Quinn. Spending time with them brought him immense joy in his final months.
Survivors, in addition to his father, include his wife of 38 years, Eileen P. (Carr) Flynn of Merrimac; two daughters, Jennifer S. Conti and her husband Michael of Haverhill and Kelly M. Caruso and her husband Nicholas of Exeter, N.H.; brother, Charles T. Flynn and his wife Ellen of Effingham, N.H.; a sister Susan J. Flynn and her significant other Andrew Rampulla of Salisbury; two grandchildren, Kyle J. Conti and Quinn C. Caruso; as well as two nieces and a nephew, Erin E. Flynn, Francis W. Carr III, and Rachel M. Carr; an Aunt, Grace P. George; along with several cousins.
Flynn’s family expresses its gratitude to Compassionate Care ALS and to the many friends, including members of Merrimac’s Police and Fire departments for their dedication and care given to Flynn and his entire family during his illness.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours Tuesday, March 22, from 4 to 7 p.m., at H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Home, 106 Summer St., Haverhill. His Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, March 23, at 11 a.m., at the Church of the Nativity, 4 Green St. Merrimac. Burial will follow in Locust Grove Cemetery, Merrimac. In lieu of flowers, donations in Chief Flynn’s memory may be made to Compassionate Care ALS, P.O. Box 1052 West Falmouth, MA 02574.