James was born on the family farm, just north of Texhoma, Oklahoma, on June 25, 1930 to Buell and Clarissa Flanagan.
He graduated from Texhoma High School in 1948. He was drafted into the army and spent 2 years in the service. He married Patsy Eyestone on May 14, 1952, having been married 70 years.They moved to Amarillo, Texas in 1956. He worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone and retired after 31 years.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Alice Flanagan, brother, Gerald Flanagan, two sisters in-laws, Peg Livingston and Karen Berg.
He is survived by wife Pat, sons Kenny and wife Tione Flanagan, Kelly and wife Melody Flanagan, grandsons, Kaleb and wife Ashley, Kane, Kale Flanagan, Melvin and wife Melissa Lowe, and Matt Lowe and 11 great-grandchildren.
