James Flanigan
James Ronald Flanigan (JR) was born in Chicago, Illinois, the third child of Francis and Marie Flanigan. After graduating from high school at 16, he spent a year at the University of Illinois, Chicago, before being drafted into the United States Army. He was trained as a helicopter mechanic and sent to Korea, where fortunately he spent most of his time at desk jobs. On his return and discharge from the Army, he continued his studies in architecture at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and married his first wife, Joanne, with whom he had three daughters. They were later divorced.
He began his architectural career in Bloomington, Illinois, where he designed several buildings on the campus of Illinois Wesleyan University, including dormitories and a new library. Subsequently, he lived in Chicago for a short period.
In the late 1970s, JR moved to East Lansing, Michigan, to work at the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), eventually becoming its Chief Architect. At MSHDA he reviewed plans for family and senior affordable housing developments for over 20 years, always mindful of the impact that the design would have on the lives of those who would be living in them.
JR and Jeanne Peterson were married in 1998, and his family expanded as he became "Par" to Kristin, Ian, and Karin, and eventually, to their spouses and children. The following year Jeanne responded to a work opportunity in California and they moved to Sacramento, where they remained until his death.
He faithfully attended Parkside Community Church, where he sang in the choir. James (as he was known to many friends in Sacramento) was a regular at Chinese healthy exercise in a park close to home. He became a friend of Bill's in 1990 and continued to be for the rest of his life. He loved to do jigsaw puzzles with grandchildren and teach them silly songs. James had a wicked sense of humor and was a kind, gentle, caring man who mentored several young people in his quiet, unassuming way.
In the last several years, he struggled with Alzheimer's disease, and for the past year lived at the Meadows at Country Place, a nearby assisted living facility, where he was lovingly cared for. Jeanne visited him daily.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Clare, and his brother, Richard. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Peterson, his sister, Jane Downey, Jeanne's children Kristin, Ian, Karin, daughters Julia, Sarah, Martha and sixteen grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Parkside Community Church, 5700 S. Land Park Drive, Sacramento, on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 11 am.
Remembrances is his name can be made to Parkside Community Church, the Alzheimer's Association of Northern California, or Alcoholics Anonymous.
He began his architectural career in Bloomington, Illinois, where he designed several buildings on the campus of Illinois Wesleyan University, including dormitories and a new library. Subsequently, he lived in Chicago for a short period.
In the late 1970s, JR moved to East Lansing, Michigan, to work at the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), eventually becoming its Chief Architect. At MSHDA he reviewed plans for family and senior affordable housing developments for over 20 years, always mindful of the impact that the design would have on the lives of those who would be living in them.
JR and Jeanne Peterson were married in 1998, and his family expanded as he became "Par" to Kristin, Ian, and Karin, and eventually, to their spouses and children. The following year Jeanne responded to a work opportunity in California and they moved to Sacramento, where they remained until his death.
He faithfully attended Parkside Community Church, where he sang in the choir. James (as he was known to many friends in Sacramento) was a regular at Chinese healthy exercise in a park close to home. He became a friend of Bill's in 1990 and continued to be for the rest of his life. He loved to do jigsaw puzzles with grandchildren and teach them silly songs. James had a wicked sense of humor and was a kind, gentle, caring man who mentored several young people in his quiet, unassuming way.
In the last several years, he struggled with Alzheimer's disease, and for the past year lived at the Meadows at Country Place, a nearby assisted living facility, where he was lovingly cared for. Jeanne visited him daily.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Clare, and his brother, Richard. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Peterson, his sister, Jane Downey, Jeanne's children Kristin, Ian, Karin, daughters Julia, Sarah, Martha and sixteen grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Parkside Community Church, 5700 S. Land Park Drive, Sacramento, on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 11 am.
Remembrances is his name can be made to Parkside Community Church, the Alzheimer's Association of Northern California, or Alcoholics Anonymous.
