Remembering A Dear Friend

Wednesday, January 20, 2016 · Mike Davis

Good morning Back a few years ago I was coaching the Runners Alley Half Marathon group and one of the few men in the group was “Steady” Jim Flynn. Because most of the groups I have worked with are dominated by woman it was nice to have Jim in the group. Also Jim was an Air Force veteran and that gave us a commonality that made for some great conversations during many of our runs. Those two factors aside, Jim was a great guy that even at the age of 60 something was as vibrant as anyone I knew. Jim had a passion for running that was amazing and he totally got the “no finish line running” concept. Steady and consistent Jim crossed many finish lines from 5K through marathons. Jim was also a devoted follower of “Coffee and Chat” with the coach. We would run into each other at various running events and Jim would always know what was going on with me and it would take me a moment to realize that he had many cups of coffee with me. Even into his middle 60s Jim came and got a gait analysis from us and months later he told me a story of how he ran his best 5K in many years. What a great testimony for our running form analysis! A couple weeks before Christmas I got an email from Jim asking that I say a prayer for him as he was having a heart procedure just a couple days before Christmas. He explained that he wasn’t really a religious person but, I seemed to be and that I came to mind as he prepared for this surgery. I was touched that Jim reached out as well as honored. My faith is definitely a priority and part of that is “being there” for all my friends and any others that have a need for divine support. I kept Jim in my prayers throughout December and even into January. Last week I dropped Jim an email to see how things were with him and asked about getting together when I got back to New Hampshire. Last night Jim’s son Ian responded to my email and explained that his dad passed away this past Monday from further complications. My heart was broken. Jim Flynn was a dear friend to me as well as many in the seacoast running community and will be missed. Jim ran into his middle 60s as well as worked ski patrol until age 66. He had a zeal for life that I may never witness again. As I have stated many times, Running or working out may not help us live longer but, it will help us get more out of life longer. Jim definitely got more out of his life at through his 67 years than most people that live to be a 100 do. My prayers will continue for Jim and his family. God is good and I don’t always understand why things happen but, it is not for me to try and figure out. Jim Flynn was a great man that left an impression on me that will live on. Rest in peace my friend. God Bless Mike