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James Luther Flinchum, age 75, a resident of Albuquerque since 1950, died on May 19, 2001. He was born in McAlester, Oklahoma, on June 18, 1925. Known by all as "Jim," he is survived by Joann Flinchum, his wife of 54 years, son Mike Flinchum and his wife of California, daughter Sherry Koberstein and her husband of Vancouver Island, (Canada); five grandchildren, Rebecca, Kristen, and James Flinchum, Rhiann Grills, and Katie Koberstein; and by 3 sisters, Frankie Redfoot of Dallas, and Mazie Gourley and June Wetsel of Tijeras; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother, William and Delia Flinchum, his brother Lawson Flinchum, and his sister Julia Wagner. A carpenter by trade, Jim started the Flinchum Construction Company in 1971. As a General Contractor, Jim was blessed of the Lord with an excellent staff and knowledgeable advisors, as the company advanced with contracts at many of the area military bases. Jim appreciated the outdoors, often enjoying hunting and camping trips with close friends. As a young father, Jim made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ, was baptized, and has remained an active member of Baptist churches in Oklahoma and in Albuquerque for the past 53 years. Jim was a charter member of the Bel-Air Baptist Church of Albuquerque, and also served in the Parkview Baptist Church, Tijeras Baptist Church, and Eastern Hills Baptist Church. Ordained a deacon, Jim taught Bible classes and served on various committees. Through the influence of his friend and pastor, Calvin Beach, Jim sensed God's leading to participate with International Crusades, of Dallas, Texas, in a trip to Mexico in 1978. A deep love for missionary work resulted, with Jim making 43 trips, visiting 16 countries on five continents. Jim found great satisfaction sharing his ever-growing faith in Jesus Christ, often serving as a lay preacher. A memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 24, 2001 at Eastern Hills Baptist Church, 3100 Morris N.E., with lunch to follow. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, Wednesday, May 23, 2001, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Burial and graveside services will be held Friday, May 25, 2001 at Resthaven Memorial Park of Shawnee, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to International Crusades, 500 S. Ervay #409A, Dallas, Texas, 75201.
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