Yesterday afternoon (10/4/11), I was talking with the good people at Jarrett Bay Marine Industrial Park (near Beaufort, North Carolina), and was shocked to learn of the passing of Jim Flynt, founder and president of popular Core Creek Marine repair yard. Over the past ten years I had come to know Jim, and considered him a true friend. From time to time we would get together or speak over the telephone about what was going on in the boating world. Once, I’m humbled to say, Jim hosted a dinner for yours truly while I was researching a new edition of my “Cruising Guide to Coastal North Carolina.” We arrived at Jim’s very interesting homeplace dirty and sweaty after a long day of on-the-water research. He took one look at us, and ushered both I and my research assistant to his nearest shower. I will always remember that kindness, and what became a very special evening thereafter.
Over the last several years, I knew Jim was struggling with Cancer. As someone whose own first-rate, first-mate is battling the same disease, from time to time I asked Jim how he was progressing. It was so typical of Jim to underplay his condition. Only a few weeks ago in a telephone conversation, he assured me that he was doing “fine.”
After more than thirty years in the marine business, I can say with some authority that I never met anyone more passionate about quality marine service and repair than Jim Flynt. Once, as I was photographing Core Creek Marine, I noticed the staff repainting a transom that I knew had just been finished the day before. When I asked why, Jim said, “Oh, we have to fix this drip.” I had to get down on my hands and knees, put my face practically up to the gel-coat, and get the angle of the light just right before I could (sort of) see the “drip” in question. Yet, here was Jim making it right, with NO additional cost to his customer.
That’s just the kind of person Jim was, and he WILL be missed, not just by yours truly, but by the entire cruising community. Indeed, all of us who take to the water have lost a real friend and kindred spirit with Jim’s passing. I know all cruisers will join with me in expressing our deepest sympathies to his staff, family and fiance.
So Jim:
May the Wind Always Be at Your Back,
May the Road Rise to Meet You,
And may God hold you in the palm of his hand

Today, we received the announcements below from Karmen Fazzari at Core Creek Marine:

To Our Friends and Customers
Core Creek Marine regrets to announce the death of its founder and president, Jim Flynt. In the space of ten years, Jim built the boatyard from scratch into one of the most respected marine service companies on the East Coast. His vision and integrity will be sorely missed.
Core Creek Marine will continue without interruption to provide the full range and quality of services for which it has become known. Our knowledgeable and dedicated staff remains in place to serve your boating needs. If you have any questions, please contact Karmen at (252) 728-7358 or at info@corecreekmarine.com.
Below is the obituary that will appear this week in the Carteret News-Times:

James Rudolph Flynt, Jr.
BEAUFORT NC James Rudolph Flynt Jr. died Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011. Mr. Flynt, 72, passed away at his home here after an extended illness.
A memorial service will be at St. Francis-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Pine Knoll Shores on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 2 p.m.
Mr. Flynt was born on June 20, 1939, in Garden City, N.Y. to James R. Flynt Sr. and Elizabeth Fletcher Flynt. He was an engineering graduate of Virginia Tech and attended Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
Mr. Flynt was the founder and owner of Core Creek Marine boatyard in the Jarrett Bay Industrial Park. He began his career as an industrial engineer with R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., in Winston-Salem. He left Reynolds to form, with a partner, Famco Inc., a metal fabricating business that in its heyday employed as many as 175 people.
After selling Famco and moving to Carteret County in 2001, Mr. Flynt was an enthusiastic supporter and board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Beaufort. He was also a founding member and vestryman of his church, St. Francis-by-the-Sea in Pine Knoll Shores. He was an enthusiastic blue water sailor.
Mr. Flynt leaves one daughter, The Rev. Karen F. Humbert of Huntington, W.Va.; a grand-daughter, Austin A. Humbert, a student at New York University, and his fiancée and devoted companion, Dona Anastasi-Styron.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial gift to either the Boys and Girls Club of Beaufort or to St. Francis-by-the-Sea.

Bummer, Jim was one of the good ones.
Eddie Jones

Claiborne,
Like you I had only known Jim Flynt for a few years since moving to Beacons Reach in Pine Knoll Shores, NC. I met him through St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church and the Winston-Salem Sail & Power Squadron.
And like you I knew him as a compassionate and exacting mariner who loved sailing and was a champion of the Boys & Girls Club organization. He is missed here.
On a personal note, my wife Bobbie and I are both survivors, and we both hope Karen is doing well. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for her.
Kindest personal regards,
Harold “Cap’n H” O’Briant
Executive Officer
District 27
United States Power Squadrons