Dr. James M. Flickinger, of West Hartford, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at the age of 89.

Jim was born on January 13, 1934 in Sagamore, PA, son of Duane and Olive Flickinger. Jim was a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University where he was president of the Pre-Veterinary Club and elected to Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. Jim received his Veterinary Medicine Doctor degree from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine in 1959.

Upon his graduation from Veterinary School, Jim was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps where he served until 1961 when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain.

Following his service in the U.S. Army, Jim began practicing in small animal medicine in Camden, NJ; Fanwood, NJ; Greenwich, CT, and New Haven, CT. On October 16, 1968, Jim opened the West Hartford Animal Hospital at 41 Prospect Avenue, West Hartford, CT where he provided loving care and treatment to area pets. Jim was beloved by his clients and was voted "Best of West Hartford" Veterinary Practice on several occasions. Jim retired as a Veterinarian in 2005 at the age of 71.

After meeting skiing at the Otis Ridge Ski Resort in Otis, MA, Jim married the love of his life Joan Marie (Boutote) Flickinger on August 6, 1960. Jim and Joan were happily married for nearly 63 years. Jim loved playing golf, musicals, hunting and fishing, card games, and especially spending time with his family and friends. 

Jim was a long-time member of the Churches of St. Helena, St. Brigid, St. Thomas, and St. Peter Claver and was very active with both members and the parish community. Jim also became a member of the Knights of Columbus in 1964 and achieved the highest degree of the order, the Fourth Degree.

Jim was an active standing member, since 1975, at the Avon Fish & Game Club participating at all the club meetings and events. At the Rockledge Golf course he was an active member of the men's league since the early 1970's and had a hole-in-one in 1975 on the 5th hole par 3.

Besides his wife, Jim is survived by his son, James G. Flickinger and former daughter-in-law, Silvia Santos; daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Richard Williams; son and daughter-in-law, John and Mildred Flickinger; his grandchildren James, Michael, and Christopher; Angela, Stephen, Julia, Joseph, Christiana; and María José and John Paul. Jim is also survived by his sister, Fadra (Flickinger) Erickson.

Calling hours will be Friday, July 14 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, at the Church of St. Peter Claver, 47 Pleasant Street, West Hartford. Memorial contributions may be made to the charitable organization of your choice. Jim was an altruistic and generous giver to many charities. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com