James Flaherty

James H. Flaherty, 86, of Fargo passed away on July 8, 2016 surrounded at bedside by his loving family at a Fargo hospital. James was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin on August 23rd, 1929 to James and Jessie Flaherty. After high school, he won an NROTC scholarship to Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He graduated in 1952 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and an officer's commission in the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the U.S.S. Iowa and the U.S.S. Randolph in the Korean War. He met the love of his life, Ruth Mae Mura, a nurse, while visiting a friend in a Milwaukee hospital. They were married April 11th, 1959 in Milwaukee. James and Ruth were the proud parents of five sons. James had a long and productive career as an engineer and business owner, from designing rocketry and guidance systems during the Cold War, to founding and operating his own manufacturing business, Federal Machine Co. in Fargo. He held numerous patents and was still active doing research with other engineers around the world. James is survived by his wife Ruth of 57 years, sister Patricia, brother Thomas, his sons (and their wives) James Jr. (Cathleen), Daniel (Jeanne), Dennis (Elizabeth), Michael (Melissa), and 13 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Paul (Natasha), and granddaughter Catherine. Visitation will be Monday, July 11th at 6:00 pm, prayer service at 7:00 pm, at St. Mary's Cathedral, Fargo. Funeral Mass: Tuesday, July 12th at 2:00 pm, St. Mary's Cathedral. Fargo