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James Flowers Obituary

James Raymond ("Jimi") Flowers went home to his Lord and Savior on July 10, 2009 after a climbing accident in Colorado. Jimi was born August 1, 1961 in Greensboro, North Carolina, but called Cleveland, Tennessee his home town. In Cleveland, Jimi began his life-long involvement with swimming and competed as a member of the 1979 YMCA National Championship team. He was an All-American swimmer at Tulane University where he set multiple school records and was Athlete of the Year for 1982-83. After graduating from Tulane in 1983, Jimi competed at the U.S. Olympic Trials for the 1984 Olympics and worked as an assistant swim coach at Auburn University. He began his long association with the Olympic family in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1989, serving as USA Swimming's National Team Coordinator. After a brief period as an Assistant Coach for Auburn University in the mid-90's, Jimi returned to the USOC in 1999 as the Aquatics Center Manager. Most recently, he worked as the National Team Manager and Head Coach for U.S. Paralympics Swimming, directing that team to success at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. Guided by a strong personal faith in God, Jimi achieved in life an enviable balance of personal accomplishment and service to humankind. He was a member of the Woodmen Valley Chapel in Colorado Springs. As a swim coach, pool director and mentor, Jimi touched thousands of young lives and was instrumental in enhancing the Paralympic movement. He possessed a strong sense of adventure and love of life. He traveled extensively and was an accomplished mountain climber. Jimi's deep love for the outdoors and for Colorado was exceeded only by his love of God and his family. He possessed an endless capacity for making friends. He was a devoted husband to Sue and a kind and loving father to Sam and Lauren. Jimi is preceded in death by his father, Charles E. Flowers, Jr. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Melanie Susan Poulson; his children, Samuel James, age 9 and Lauren Amelia, age 4; his mother, Sibyl Whitehead Flanery, and her husband, Darrell Flanery, all of Colorado Springs; his brother, Charles E. Flowers, III of Chapel Hill, NC; six nieces and nephews and hundreds of friends the world over. Arrangements are being made by Swan Law Funeral Directors. The family will hold a visitation from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the Swan Law facility on Wednesday, July 15, 2009. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Thurday, July 16, 2009, 2:00 P.M. at Woodmen Valley Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Sam and Lauren Flowers Family Fund, c/o Chase Bank, 60 E Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs, CO, acct. # 637564863. Refer to usparalympics.org for further information. The family wishes to express its deep gratitude for the outpouring of support, especially from the swimming and USOC community.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette from Jul. 14 to Jul. 15, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for James Flowers

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Roxie Dillon

July 27, 2009

Dearest Melanie, I am so sorry and sad to hear of your loss. I know you had an amazing life together and many wonderful memories. Every great man has a great women. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. I love you, so please let me know if I can do anything to help you in this difficult time. It was great seeing you in May. Lots of love, Roxie

Susan (Baker) Losey

July 19, 2009

Melanie Sue,
I was so sadden to hear about the loss of your husband. There are no words I can share that will lessen your grief, but know that the Lord our God is always at your side in the time of need.

Leo D'Acquisto

July 18, 2009

Hi Sue, My wife and I recall many good memories with Jimi. Jimi and I were roommates in the late 80s while working for US Swmming. He was a great (wonderful) roommate/friend/colleague and we enjoyed many laughs together. God bless you and your children. Jimi's spirit will be with us for a lifetime and beyond.

Leo D'Acquisto

July 18, 2009

Our prayers are with your family, during this loss of Jimi. I was in elementary school with Jimi at Hopewell.
Jonna (Douglas) Epperson

Dan Douglas

July 17, 2009

My deepest sympathy to your entire family in this tragic loss.

May God's Grace be felt in abundance.

I was in school with the Flowers family at Hopewell Elementary in Cleveland.

Mickie McNamara

July 15, 2009

Knowing Jimi made me a better person. My sincerest sympathy to his family.

Harold Harris

July 15, 2009

Please accept my deepest sympathies. May your memories bring you comfort.

Teresa Pearson

July 14, 2009

I will miss Jimi. He always had a smile on his face and a good word for eveyone. He was always willing to go the extra mile and nothng was a problem that he could not handle.
I'm sorry for your loss but time will heal all. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow

Gerald Williams

July 14, 2009

Dear Eddie and family,

We just wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you and your entire family as you deal with this tragedy. We always think of you with great fondness and are truly grateful for the opportunity to have known you and called you friend. Even though it has been many years since we last saw you, we have often thought of you and are so proud of your and your brother's accomplishments. If you are ever in Cleveland, please give us a call. We would love to hear from you. We now have two beautiful little granddaughters who bring us so much joy. My e-mail is [email protected]
Please drop me a note when you have time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Gerald & Novella Williams

Brenda Randolph

July 14, 2009

Sue, I was Jimmy's 5th grade teacher at Hopewell. I taught for his father. I am so sorry about Jimmy. I have always remembered him and his big smile and wonderful caring soul. My prayers are with you, his children, Sybil,and Eddie. May you know you were married to a wonderful gentle soul

Greg Farmer

July 14, 2009

Although I hadn't seen Jimi recently I loved running into him at church and world wide meetings. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
He was a great man. Always smiling and uplifting to be around

Linda Smith

July 14, 2009

My mother, Ruth Alston, and I are in prayer for you and the children during this very difficult time. We will always hold dear the very precious time we spent with the family when we were there in 2007. I pray that the family will find comfort in Psalm 121. Linda Smith

Terry and Liz Curry

July 14, 2009

Sue,
I will always remember the love I saw in Jimi's eyes as he looked at you, Sam and Lauren.
We are praying that you feel God's love through your family and many, many friends.
Draw from your many memories in the days to come.

Kathi Laughlin

July 14, 2009

My deepest sympathy to you Sue and the children. I never saw Jimi without a smile on his face. It was obvious that he was a true follower of Jesus.You could see Christ in his eyes and actions.He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Teressa Lewandowski

July 14, 2009

We met Jimi during his first stint at Auburn, and remember him being at our wedding 23 years ago. He always had a smile and a kind word. We are so sorry for your loss, and will be praying for your family over the coming weeks and months. John and Teressa Lewandowski

Linda Carroll

July 14, 2009

Melanie Sue,

My heart cries out to you during this incredibly tough time. As a mother of a climber, Jimmy's accident is my worst fear. You and your precious children are in my thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Linda Hendricks Carroll

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