James Flad

When I met Jim, him and a few other people were handing out brown bag lunches to the homeless at the library in downtown Madison and I was inspired. I decided then and there to help out next week and then eventually hot meals were being served at Peace Park, and we got more volunteers over the years. Jim was a great friend, he would always give of his time and heart to help anyone in need.He would take me and my friend Daren to his house on our birthdays and we would get pizza or burritos as big as our head. And we would get some old movies to enjoy and sleep over on the leather couch or sleeping bag, he was a loving person, I can't count all the people he has blessed and touched with his life, He is with God now and everyone who knew him on earth will miss him

My heart is sad because we will neither see nor hear him any more on this planet. The Jim who was one of the first missionaries of Pro Labore Dei whom the Lord prepared their hearts to meet me and spread His work in America in the year 2009. At his departure, he was the Regional Coordinator for Pro Labore Dei U.S.A and Canada, a great missionary, pioneer, highly committed member and very generous. We will miss him greatly, especially myself with whom he worked so closely from day one when the Lord sent me to America, with Steve Banaszak they were the first receptors of the spirit, charism and apostolate of Pro Labore Dei. They would drive me everywhere and stood by me. America U.S.A will miss him, the poor whom he fed with sumptuous meals will miss him, so many others will miss him but we are consoled that he has gone to his heavenly reward – where Jesus said “I go to prepare a place for you so that where I am you also will be there” . Jim, my brother enjoy your place in Heaven, you will never be sick again. United in prayers in our God given mission

It is with much grieving and sadness that we bid farewell from our temporary earthly home that you gave so much to so many, Thank you for your twenty plus years of serving the homeless, not only in Madison but also in other eight serving locations in the United States. No one could have done more for their fellow man than you having served over 186,000 meals for our brothers and sisters who live on the streets with the help of your volunteers. You worked seven days a week organizing, planning, shopping and filling out reports. There were also shoe drives, clothes and coat drives, contributions, sponsors and thank you notes to send. Few saw all the work that went into making Pro Labore Dei run successfully even during your five years of illness. A very special thank you to your dedicated wife, Becky, who has served along side you the entire time if your marriage. She has also been your constant caretaker for the past difficult five years. Becky, you are awesome. Jim, I know you are already in Heaven. You have well earned your eternal reward and may you rest in the peace of Christ for all your service. Thank you for your leadership, your excellent example and your devotion to your Catholic faith. You are the best. God Bless, good friend. Tim Murphy, Pro Labore Dei member

Very sad to hear of a very dear friend of mine and a beacon of light to the homeless community. I met him handing out lunches and meals at Peace Park. We became great friends. He would often invite me and CE over to his house, to get a weekend off the streets. He also took us up to Devils Lake a couple times. He would always celebrate our birthdays with pizza and a movie. He had the most giving and serving heart. Last time I saw him was probably in 2012? Jim, you touched my life in a special way. And I know that many people were impacted by you. Your light will always shine on. Thanks for the many years of friendship and memories.

Words fail me. There is so much to say about you Jim, but where to begin? It is because of your devotion and love for God and His Blessed Mother pouring out from you that PLD grew to reach those in need. You truly lived your faith and love. We miss you already.