We are saddened to hear of the passing of James Kevin Flake, born February 15, 1951, and who left us on February 26, 2025 at the age of 74.  

James was a member of the Class of 1969.

Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends, classmates, and teachers during this difficult time.

In memory of James , a special memorial page has been established, and the Sayville Alumni Association will honor him annually on his birthday. It is our hope that this tribute provides solace to all who knew and cherished her, ensuring that James’s spirit remains alive in our hearts.

A nicely crafted obituary narrates the life of James, including military service.  He was extraordinary man. This tribute was prepared, published and is shared here courtesy of the Leach & Thomas Funeral Home.  

James Flake Obituary.

Leach & Thomas Funeral Home on Mar. 13, 2025.

James “Kevin” Flake, 74, of Ossining, New York died February 26, 2025. Kevin was born February 15, 1951 in Washington, D.C. to Howard Oma Flake and Mary O’Brien Flake. He grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas and later on Long Island, New York where he graduated from Sayville High School in 1969.

Kevin served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War. His post-military career included 19 years of employment at Consolidated Aircraft Supply Company and several manufacturing, repair, and customer service roles, including a stint as a Site Manager for Fight Avionics at the USS Intrepid Air Sea Space Museum’s Flight Simulator in New York Harbor. 

He was a resident of Queens, New York in the 1980s and early 1990s and then moved to Ossining, New York where he lived with his dear sister, Kate Charleston until her death in 2011.

Beginning in 1993, Kevin was self-employed as a graphic artist. A high point of his career was his first studio show, in 2001, at the Upper Gallery of the Paramount Center for the Arts in Peekskill, NY.

In an article published by the New York Times in the paper’s Westchester Section ahead of the show, Mr. Flake was quoted as saying, ”I want to make people feel my pictures move as you look at them. I want people to see a flow of life.” He went on to have his works displayed by the Queens Library as a finalist in the 2002-2003 Individual Artist Showcase, and to win the 2004 “Commissioner’s Award” for the Pen & Ink category of the First Annual Recovery Fine Arts Festival, sponsored by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. 

His 2009 work, “Bob Kaya” was inspired by his love of Bob Marley and is registered in the United States Library of Congress’ Copyright Office.

In addition to art, Kevin was a lover of music, his pets (Amy, Moosie, and Pixel), films, and history.

Until his death, he remained extremely proud of his family’s Choctaw Native American heritage, his father’s decorated service for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II, and his mother’s work as an artist.

Kevin was very fond of conversation. He shared detailed stories and memories with friends and encouraged them to take notice of life’s simple pleasures.

Kevin was predeceased by his parents, his beloved younger sister, Elizabeth “Kim” Taylor, and his older sister, Kathleen “Kate” Charleston. Survivors include his niece, Kimberly “Rose” Anwar and the Lewis family.

In his last years, Kevin was especially grateful for the support of his friends at Maple House in Ossining, Pauline Harris, Alexis Oliveros, Craig Rogers, and Tullio Bruno.
Donations in memory of Kevin may be made to Hillside Food Outreach. (https://hillsidefoodoutreach.org/)