James Robert Flaherty was born on July 17, 1985 in Denver, the son of Robert and Angela.

James was an intelligent, loving young man to whom his family was very important. He always made sure that everyone around him was happy and knew they were loved by him.

James was a lover of music and playing his guitar.

He was a 2002 graduate of Middle Park High School, and then served his country honorably in the U.S. Air Force. While in the Air Force, he attended the Defense Language Institute. He studied Mandarin Chinese, at which he excelled, graduating with the highest honors in his class. Two months into learning the new language, he competed in a competition, and won honors against students from Berkeley.

He enjoyed world politics and felt that by being a part of the armed forces he was doing something important. James was an avid hiker, camper and skier. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Grand Junction, an honor of which he was very proud.

On Saturday, Jan.12, 2008, at the age of 22, James departed this life at his home in Hot Sulphur Springs.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his father, Robert Flaherty of Hot Sulphur Springs, his mother Angela Belcastro and husband Dan of Grand Junction, his grandmother Martha Flaherty of Brighton, his grandparents Gene and Leslie Gleisberg of Walsenberg, his sisters Hannah Flaherty, Leslye Flaherty, Jennifer Belcastro and Genelle Belcastro, a nephew Xander Scotland and a niece Kairi Thompson.

He is preceded in death by his grandfather, William Flaherty.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008 at the Hot Sulphur Springs Community Church. A memorial fund has been established and memorials can be sent to Foran-Schoenfeld Mortuary, P.O. Box 215, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80451. Arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Foran-Schoenfeld Mortuary – Hot Sulphur Springs.