The Flynns: Leadership, Patriotism and Creativity

Resident Feature by Liz Burnett

Photos courtesy of Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com

Jim and Robin Flynn both grew up in Camp Springs, MD. He attended Bishop McNamara High School; she attended nearby LaReine High School. They met through ECHO (Encountering Christ in Others), a Christian weekend retreat program for high school students that’s similar to Kairos in the Philly area.

Robin and Jim dated during college semester breaks while he attended West Point and she attended Drexel University. When Jim graduated with a degree in Engineering in 1982, he was commissioned as an Infantry Officer. After Ranger School, he was stationed in Alaska. Robin graduated from Drexel one year later, with a degree in Interior Design.

In September 1983, Jim called to reconnect with Robin. They started writing letters, and when Jim came home to Maryland for the Christmas holidays, they grew closer. In May, 1984, he invited her to Alaska. He had an engagement ring ready. Jim proposed, and Robin said “Yes!”

Robin and Jim Flynn at their home in Newtown Square

Photo courtesy of Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com

Their military wedding in October 1984 was at St. Philip’s Catholic Church in Camp Springs. They honeymooned in Maui, then returned to Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. Over the next 18 months, Robin experienced what Jim had already grown accustomed to: Alaskan winters when days are dark until 11:30am, and summer sunsets that last for hours.

During Jim’s five years of active duty, he moved nine times. Robin worked as a residential Interior Designer. In December 1987, Capt. Jim Flynn left the Army, to work for GE Aerospace in Virginia. He also started his five-year commitment to serve in the Army Reserves. “I enjoyed my time and training at West Point,” Jim said, “and I’m grateful for my Army career; the terrific experience it gave me, and my West Point classmates, some of whom I’m still good friends with.”

After GE Aerospace, Jim worked for and ran several businesses. He and Robin also started their family during those years. In 1996, Jim’s job transferred him to the Philly area. He and Robin chose Newtown Square and bought their home in Echo Valley, where they’ve lived happily ever since.

When they moved to Newtown Square, their three sons, Jay, Alex and Matthew, were ages 7, 4 and 1.5. Robin became a full-time mom and put her professional life on a back-burner. Little did she know that her future included being a master Glass Artist!

Left to right: Jay, Alex and Matthew Flynn

Photo courtesy of Robin and Jim Flynn

While all three boys attended St. Anastasia School, Robin volunteered many hours, helping mostly in the library. Jim volunteered his photography skills by taking photos at school sports events, the school play, and the 8th grade dance.

In high school, all three boys played soccer. Two attended Cardinal O’Hara HS; one went to Archbishop Carroll HS. All three enrolled in their college ROTC program.

None of our sons were born yet when I ended my Army career in 1987,” observed Jim, “yet all three chose to serve their country in the Army. Robin and I are very proud of Jay, Alex, and Matthew. They’re all patriots.

Their oldest son Jay, 30, graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a degree in Civil Engineering. He’s an Army Captain who lives in Florida and enjoys skydiving, scuba diving, and all high-risk sports.

Alex, 27, graduated from the University of Scranton with a degree in International Relations and Arabic. Also an Army Captain, Alex lives in Washington state and enjoys snowboarding, hiking, and being outdoors.

Matthew, 24, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He’s a 1st Lieutenant stationed in Kansas. He remains an ardent Eagles fan and enjoys golf and being outdoors as well.

“The boys are busy, so Jim and I tend to go visit them. So far, everyone’s made it home every Christmas,” Robin said. When Jay, Alex and Matthew arrive home, the family’s eight-year-old Long Coat German Shepherd Macallan (“Mac”) goes CRAZY welcoming them.

Robin and Jim Flynn with their dog Macallan ("Mac"), at their home in Newtown Square

Photo courtesy of Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com

The entire Flynn family has thoroughly enjoyed their 23 years living in Echo Valley. On the day they moved in, several friendly neighbors came to introduce themselves.

This is a great place to raise a family, with lots of creeks to fish and play in,” said Robin. “Echo Valley is a socially active community,” Jim added. “Several years, we hosted the Steak-Out, a big barbecue in June, one of the seasonal events hosted annually by the homeowners’ association.

When Matthew was in high school, Robin started a bathroom remodel project. She found a tile she liked but it was too expensive. She then heard about a class to learn how to make glass coasters. She signed up, intending to also learn how to make her desired bathroom tiles for less.

She found glass art so fascinating that she kept learning, and now uses various tools and techniques to create stunning results. Robin has achieved Master Artisan status in PA. Her artwork is in galleries in several states. For three years, she served as President of the Haverford Guild of Craftsmen.

Three pieces of Robin Flynn’s beautiful glass art alongside Jim Flynn’s English walnut lidded vessel

Photo courtesy of Robin and Jim Flynn

Robin’s other passion is gardening, born of her need to be outdoors while the boys played in their back yard or swam in their pool. She’s a very active volunteer for Newtown Square in Bloom (NSiB).

Over the past 20 years, Jim has used the leadership skills he developed in the Army to serve as CEO for four different companies. He’s also quite creative: He plays guitar in St. Anastasia’s Folk Group, and is a skilled woodworker. Jim built Robin a beautiful art studio in their home. He makes furniture and turns platters and bowls into which Robin insets glass. They enjoy collaborating on designing and creating new pieces. Jim works with wood to relax; Robin works with glass because she’s passionate about creating beautiful artwork that’s both functional and decorative. Together, they create a lot of beauty and fun.

Robin and Jim have been married for 35 years, an achievement that makes them confidently volunteer as mentors for “Living in Love,” a seven-week program for engaged couples planning to marry in the Catholic church (or already-married Catholic couples).

Everyone in the Flynn Family is grateful for the many opportunities the Army provided Jim, and now provides Jay, Alex and Matthew, to witness and learn leadership skills. A leader’s responsibilities often require creativity when developing solutions. Jim and Robin and their three sons are all blessed with the interest, skills, and commitment to passionately serve their communities and their country.

Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at LBurnett@BestVersionMedia.com.