James Flammang Obituary

Barbara, Debbie and Frank, Frankie, Rosie, Terri and Freddy, Michael, Friends and Family

Let me share a common dream that Jim and I discussed at length during the times we were together over the recent years. Perhaps he also shared this dream with you.

It was a dream that fathers often have about athletically inclined sons who show promise in the game of baseball. The dream has to do with sons who not only exhibit exceptional athletic skills but, more specifically, sons who also have the dedication, the personal commitment, the self-discipline, the positive attitude and the desire to achieve.

The dream was not about achieving greatness in athletics as an end in itself but more about a journey of youth - dedicating oneself and making the sacrifices necessary to achieve an end result. It was about sons who avoid the temptations of youth and remain focused on their goals. It was a dream about sons who face physical challenges, encounter setbacks along the way to realizing the results of that journey.

More importantly, the dream is about the character building, the self-confidence and self-esteem one gets from this journey of youth regardless of whether the dream is ever fulfilled - all personal attributes that are the basis for more important later life achievements in business, personal relationships and parenting.

We agreed that not fulfilling the dream is anything but failure since the odds against fulfilling that dream are enormous. However, not gaining the above personal attributes during the journey renders that journey meaningless.

Finally and perhaps most importantly, we agreed that pursuing the fulfillment of that dream cannot occur in the absence of nor at the cost of an education. We agreed that the classroom rather than the baseball diamond is where a son exercises his brain, expands his mental capacity and learns the true meaning of ‘self.’ Therefore, we agreed that fulfilling the dream at the expense of an education is a dream unworthy of fulfillment.

The dream was that someday a son would make it to the ’big show’ wearing ‘pin stripes’ with the name ‘FLAMMANG’ emblazoned upon them. Some son would cross the ‘white lines’ realizing that the journey, the personal commitment, and the overcoming of obstacles along the way were worth the effort.

The dream is fulfilled when that son, on some warm summer evening in an ancient ballpark in Chicago, looks through the glare of floodlights to the heavens above and gives thanks to those whose support and sacrifices helped him fulfill that dream - his father, his grandmother, his aunts and uncles, his cousins and friends as well as all those family members who came before him who had that same dream.

We shared that dream.

Barb, Debbie, Terri, Mike,

My deepest sympathy to you all. I was shocked to hear this news, I'm sorry I was unable to attend the visitation Thurday night,I had a commitment I couldn't get out of.

May the memories you have help you during this difficult time.

Love,

I remember Jim when he played on my fathers Lakeview citizens council baseball team and when we played at hamlin park baseball I'am very saddened to hear of Jim's passing and my condolences to the family, as I too lost my father in the past year another wonderful baseball man who also came from the neighboorhood

Once again I'm sorry and I have fond memories-Mike Guilfoyle and family

Barbara, Mike, JJ, Terri, Deb you are in our thoughts and prayers.



Mary Anne, Pete, Laura, Chrissy and Max

Dear Debbie Williams & Family,

Experiencing the death of one so loved so painful. Look to Jesus for consolation and call on the great memories you have of Jim. This will help to sustain you in the days to come. We extend our prayers to Jim's family. You were truly blessed to have had him in your lives.

To our Mother, You are a most awesome woman. Have you any idea really what your love and influence has done to help make us the beautiful people we are today? I thank God for you and so did Jimmy. Even though he did not always show it or say it-I know this to be true. I love you and all of your children and grandchildren are blessed to have you in our lives.



To my sister and brother, Jimmy would be so proud of the way that we are working together to honor him and his memory. He is now safe in God's arms with no pain-just comfort, joy and God's love. In his leaving he has brought us closer together. Thanks Jimmy. We love you. Until we see you again.......Love, Terri xoxoxo

To Everyone,

Our prayers are with you--

and all our love too.

My heart goes out to everyone....

May God Bless your wonderful family



love,

Mary and sons

JJ, Eddie, Rhonda, Barbara



Please know that we are thinking of all of you during this difficult time. May God keep you all strong to endure the loss of your father, son, husband and may you find comfort in knowing that he is resting peacefully now.



We are deeply sorry for your loss.



Love from The Harrah's

Bobbi, Tim, Greg & Michelle, Chris & Elena

Mom,

You are the strongest person I have ever known - you have held the strongest loyalty and love for your children I have ever seen or heard of. I am very lucky. Love, Mike

Mom,



Thank you for all you did for Jim. You are phenomenal! I am also very proud of J.J!

The two of you worked so hard for so long- It is comforting to know that now you and J.J. can relax and comfort each other now.



Your loving daughter-

Debbie