James Flatley Obituary

RADM James H. Flatley III USN (Ret.)

Mount Pleasant - Rear Admiral James H Flatley III USN (Ret), affectionately known to friends, colleagues and family as Jim, Skipper, Admiral and Pops, passed away in his sleep on December 12, 2025, weeks before celebrating his 92nd birthday.

Born on January 9, 1934 in San Diego, CA to parents, James H Flatley Jr and Dorothy May McMurray, Jim lived a life devoted to his country, his community and most importantly to his family. As a decorated naval aviator, esteemed leader, devoted family man and devout Catholic, he leaves behind a legacy of courage, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to service.

The oldest of four boys, RADM Flatley, followed in his father's distinguished footsteps as a WWII ace by becoming a distinguished naval aviator himself. During his 31 years of active military service, he logged 4,460 flight hours in over thirty different aircraft and the first to complete 1,608 carrier landings. One of his most notable contributions to naval aviation occurred in 1963 when he impressed the community by successfully executing multiple carrier landings aboard the USS FORRESTAL (CV-59) while piloting the C-130 Hercules, the largest aircraft to ever land on a carrier.

Admiral Flatley's decorations include the Distinguished Service Metal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit with four Gold Stars, Distinguished Flying Cross with two Gold Stars, Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V", Air Medal with Silver Star with the numeral 24 to indicated over 350 combat missions, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V" and Presidential Unit Citation with Bronze Star, to name a few.

In spite of all the medals "Skipper" was most proud of his leadership during his third tour in the Vietnam War. As commander of Fighter Squadron VF 31, he felt the greatest accomplishment of his career was bringing home every member of his squadron to their anxious and loving families.

Upon retiring from the Navy, RADM Flatley served as Director of Government Programs at Cambridge Research Corp and then as GM and Chairman of the Board of Intermarine USA. From there Jim and Nancy moved to Charleston, SC in 1994, where he served the state of South Carolina as CEO of Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum. He was instrumental in transforming Patriot's Point into the state's largest tourist attraction. He proudly served as Chairman of the Board for Roper St. Francis Healthcare and Mt. Pleasant, remaining a valued trustee until his passing. In addition Admiral Flatley was appointed chairman of the board of the South Carolina Maritime Security Commission, charged with reestablishing and over seeing the South Carolina Naval Militia. He served on the board of directors for the USS Yorktown Foundation, the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership and was a member of the Golden Eagle association, the USO World Board of Governors, the United States Naval Institute, the Red River Valley River Rats, the Association of Naval Aviation, the Surface Naval Aviation, the Naval Submarine League, and an emeritus member of the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation. He was truly honored to receive the coveted Order of the Palmetto from the Governor of South Carolina for his significant contributions to the community.

Jim found great joy in playing golf, singing in the church choir and spending quality time with his family and dearest friends. His devotion to his beloved wife, Nancy, with whom he shared 67 wonderful years, was unwavering. A man of strong faith, he was deeply committed to his church, Saint Benedict's Catholic Church, where he found community and spiritual fulfillment.

His final months at home were made comfortable thanks to the incredible support of Palmetto Family Home Care, Commonwise Home Care, Lutheran Hospice, Roper St Francis and the VA.

Jim is survived by his devoted and beloved wife Nancy Monica Christie, their six children, James IV (Christine), Joseph (Bridget), Mary Kiteley (Rex II), Michael (Jill), Kathleen, Kara Brophy (Rich), 22 grand children, 10 Great grand children with 2 more on the way currently. Three of Jim's six children followed his path into military service along with 7 of his grandchildren.

His impact on Naval aviation, the Charleston community, and the lives of those he loved and served with will be remembered for generations. Fair winds and following seas God's humble servant.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, December 20, 2025 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 950 Darrell Creek Trail, Mt. Pleasant, SC at 12:00 noon. The family will receive friends Friday Evening, December 19, 2025 at J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel, 1494 Mathis Ferry Rd from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, with the Rosary beginning at 6:00 pm. A graveside service with full military honors will be held in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution can be made to Roper St. Francis Foundation, 8536 Palmetto Commerce Pkwy, Ste 301, Ladson, SC 29456-6700 or USS Yorktown Foundation, 40 Patriots Point Rd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464.

Arrangements are by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.

We invite you to share a memory and sign our guest book.