James Theo (Shorty) Flaherty, age 98, of Nashville, Arkansas went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 21, 2014, at his home. He was born March 2, 1916 in the Boughton Community, Nevada County, Arkansas to Walter Edwin and Mamie Beulah Ursery Flaherty. Mr. Flaherty was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Ruth Lee Daniel Flaherty.

Mr. Flaherty was a loving, supportive husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He devoted himself to taking care of his family. He was a member Crosspoint Cowboy Church. He was always proud to serve his country in any way that was presented to him. He was drafted into the Army in 1941and served four years in the South Pacific Theatre of WWII and was honorably discharged in 1945. He received an AP Service ribbon, two bronze stars, a good conduct medal, the Phillipine Liberation Medal and an American Defense Service ribbon. After being discharged, he continued to serve his country by working at a military arsenal.

He retired from Nashville Case Shear Plant. He also enjoyed farming, gardening, and animal trading.

Mr. Flaherty is survived by his wife of 21 years, Cherry Mae, son Lavon Flaherty (Jean Ann) and daughter Nita Sue Epton (Harold B.); step children Donald Thompson (Brenda) and Sue Cornwell (Lewis); his grandchildren Kim Ainsworth (Donnie), Brent Flaherty (Stephanie), Cynthia Bailey (Brant), and Andi Spurling (Bryan); great grandchildren Amber, Josh, Kailey, Haley, Anna Kay, Emalea, Ty, Tate, and Tynlee; and a number of nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Besides his wife and parents, he was also preceded in death by three brothers and four sisters—Robert Edwin Flaherty, Reo Flaherty, Felice Flaherty, Irene Linam, Willie Belle Hoover, Doris McFarland, and Winnie Sweat.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 23, 2014 at Nashville Funeral Home from 6 to 8 pm. Graveside services will be at Avery’s Chapel Cemetery on Friday, October 24, 2014 at 10 o’clock under the direction of Nashville Funeral Home with Bro. Don Jones presiding. Memorials may be made to the Cross Point Cowboy Church or to Avery’s Chapel Cemetery.