Most of you probably don't know him but he Is the reason I now race off road trucks. Seeing him and a pack of 20 other trucks barreling into turn one at Crandon did something to me as a kid. From a very young age this is all I wanted to do! Jack was a man that started with nothing and worked his way to the top. Here is a copy/paste of his obituary in this morning's news paper:
Jack Flannery, 57, passed away April 6, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born the third child to Melvin and the late Dorothy (Spencer) Flannery, Jack's childhood as one of eight was filled with love, laughter, and never a dull moment. Living life to the fullest, nothing seemed out of reach for him. Jack's fearless spirit and need for adventure took him from coast to coast. His love for the outdoors led him from the timber filled lands of Wisconsin, to the highest mountains in Colorado, to the glacier filled waters of Alaska, to the most beautiful lakes in Montana. His natural ability to make lifelong friends wherever he "hung his hat" was one of his best attributes.
Growing up in "Riggsville," some of Jack's fondest memories were made with his brothers and sisters and neighborhood friends. Whether sliding down the "big hill" or playing air guitar with the Hoenig, Stamper and Brooks clan — laughter was always sure to fill the air. As years passed, his need for speed landed him in the drivers seat of a bright yellow Superbird co-piloted by best friend, Bob Houle. Cruising "main drag" he spotted the love of his life and decided to trade the "bird" for a family car when he married Connie Fraley Flannery on July 17, of 1971. Their union together brought two adventurous boys, Jed James and Jamey John. From humble beginnings they formed a family business and a racing legacy that forever surpassed expectations, as well as formed an unbreakable family bond.Securing a factory funded race program was his lifelong dream made possible with the help of the Parson's family, his lifelong friends. This partnership between the GM Race shop, his dedicated race team, parents, Melvin and Dorothy (as well as many others) lead to a three decade career and a multitude of wins, series titles and championships. Jack's unanimous induction into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in August of 2009 was his final curtain call.
Returning to his roots, Jack spent his final days living with his sister, Carol and brother-in-law Randy, surrounded by "nurses" Cheri and Peggy and brothers, Cliff and Mel. He loved visits, stories, and phone calls from his sons, Connie, nieces, nephews, friends and father, Melvin. Jack's final wish was granted when he became a grandfather for the first time in February to a precious baby boy, Jackson.
Jack is survived by his sons, Jed and Jamey; grandson, Jackson Paul Flannery; former wife, Connie Fraley Flannery; father, Melvin; brothers, Clifford (Kathy), Melvin Jr. (Kathy); sisters, Peggy (Russ) Packard, Carol (Randy) Rychlock, Cheri (Mark) Fraley; 12 nieces and nephews, eight great-nieces and nephews and beloved dog, Chevy. He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy; sister, Mary; brother, Timothy; and brother-in-law, Richard Anderson.
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 9, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Praise Chapel Community Church, Crandon. Funeral Service will follow at 4 p.m. with Pastor Bill Farr officiating. Interment will be in the Crandon Lakeside Cemetery. A dinner and fellowship at the Crandon Community Building will follow the services. Weber-Hill Funeral Home, Crandon is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences at www.weberhillfuneralhome.com.
Thanks for the many memories Jack, you will be sadly missed by the entire racing community. RIP buddy!
JACK