03/06/2026
James Michael Flood, 71, of Ridgefield, died peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2026. James was the loving husband of Cynthia Kay (Sertich) Flood. He passed from his physical to his spiritual life, surrounded by his loving wife and three children.
James was born on December 20, 1954, the son of the late Archibald and Margaret (Cosgrove) Flood. Growing up on the Southern shores of Lake Superior, James enjoyed an idyllic childhood. Summers were short and winters were long in Duluth, Minnesota. James embraced every sport he could try, and never sat idle as the brutal winters arrived, and his hometown was buried in snow. James would lace up a pair of skates for some outdoor pick-up hockey, or grab a sled, and off he went to fully embrace winter in Minnesota. Summers were spent playing baseball, building forts in the woods, and swimming in one of Minnesota’s ten thousand lakes. He was an avid Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan, jumping at any chance he got to attend a game. He was an accomplished golfer, and in his later years, especially, he loved going out on the course to compete, with the fresh air all around him. He was a serious student, excelling both academically and athletically. A three-sport varsity athlete in high school, James received many awards for his contributions in Baseball, Football, and Basketball.
James was a team player, and that work ethic followed him through college, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin- Stout, and later, in January, 1978, as he began his career as a Junior Engineer at IBM, Rochester, MN. It was there in Rochester that James enjoyed the beginning of a promising career, married his high school sweetheart, Cynthia, in August, 1978, and was a dedicated father to their three beautiful children. James worked hard, attaining many promotions and accolades in his professional life. He seamlessly balanced work and family, partaking in volunteer coaching in his children’s various athletic endeavors, supporting their academic pursuits, and just being a really great, committed Dad. He traveled the world, promoting IBM PC and Mainframe products, including the newly developed AS400. A significant highlight in James’s professional career was as a key contributor to IBM Rochester’s success during the late 80’s. James’s expertise in manufacturing and supply chain management was critical in enabling major new product announcements, and for the site receiving national recognition for quality and customer satisfaction. Perhaps of greater importance was James’s skill to foster teamwork and motivate his employees to execute their job responsibilities, doing so by always keeping respect for the individual in the forefront.
In August, 1995, James moved his family to the East Coast, as his career demands with IBM placed him in Corporate Headquarters, and later to a promotion at the Executive level. Living in Ridgefield held so many memories for James and his family. He continued with his illustrative career, but always made time for his family, coaching hockey and basketball, and being there to prepare his children for a highly competitive world. He instilled in them a work ethic that will live on forever and will be passed on through the generations of the Flood family. He was a loving, dedicated, and protective husband to Cynthia. They eagerly embraced traveling together, enjoying many trips to wonderful places, Friday night dinners out, attending Sunday Mass together, and just the quiet joy of each other’s company. James will always be remembered as adventurous, fun, and giving. He was a faithful servant of God, and a long-time parishioner of Saint Mary’s Church in Ridgefield. He prioritized God, family, and country. He had a kind heart, and a big presence everywhere he went. His smile lit up a room. As their “Grandpops”, James loved his grandchildren, joyfully following their sports and academics. They will greatly miss him.
James is survived by his wife of 47 years, Cynthia, as well as their three children: Matthew Flood and his spouse, Amanda; Christopher Flood and his spouse, Jennifer and Lauren Florendo and her spouse, Catherine. James is also survived by six grandchildren; Michael, Ava, Natalie, Kendall, Hailey and Caden James.
Family and friends will be received on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM in Saint Mary's Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment will take place privately in the Spring.
Contributions in James' memory may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center - PO Box 27106; New York, NY 10087, or online at https://giving.mskcc.org/.
