James Flattery

James Flattery, 77, a devoted family man, sailor, lifelong learner, and teacher, passed away on Friday at Syracuse VA Medical Center. 

James was born on September 22, 1947, in New Orleans, LA. He graduated from Sachem High School in 1966 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1969, serving honorably for six years. He later earned his degree from Syracuse University and spent over 30 years as a lab manager, conducting research with curiosity and illuminating young minds from all corners of the world before retiring in 2016. 

In retirement, James enjoyed golf, learning piano, indulging in sweet treats and his wife’s cooking, and taking long walks with his granddog, Gibbs. Above all, he was a devoted husband to Nancy and a dedicated father, always present for his children’s milestones—from practices and rehearsals near and far to the sidelines for games, and behind the wheel for long drives. Many of those hours on the road were spent making annual trips to Long Island, where he made sure his children were able to form relationships and make memories with their grandmother, aunts and uncles, and cousins. He fostered his children’s love and adoration for his family, which was only eclipsed by his own.

James was a teacher in every sense of the word. At home, he taught his children to read, guided them through math problems, and helped them navigate life’s hardest lessons with a steady hand and an unwavering heart. His greatest lessons were not in words but in examples: faith, discipline, commitment, and resilience. A lifelong athlete, James ran before sunrise, played tennis and golf while coaching hockey, and later in life, found joy in dancing and chair yoga. In quiet moments, he lived a marvelous inner life, listening to music, learning to play piano, watching classic films, and writing clever captions on the backs of the hundreds of photos he took. A man of deep thought and deeper kindness, he was just as content in solitude as he was in conversation, speaking with old friends and new with equal sincerity.

James is reunited in peace with his parents, Hugh and May (Labat); sister, Susan (Philip) Delzatto; brother, Michael Sr.; and nephew, Ryan.

His memory lives on in his wife of 35 years, the former Nancy Domres; children, Caitlin Flattery, Shannon (Andrew) Sindoni, and Patrick; brother, Thomas (Kathy); and many beloved nieces and nephews. He reveled in the anticipation of his first grandchild, a baby girl, due this month.

To celebrate James’ life, relatives and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. 

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 10 a.m. in Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse.

James will be laid to rest in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Syracuse.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in James’ memory may be made to Clear Path for Veterans,1223 Salt Springs Rd., Chittenango, NY 13037.