About CCMS
James Patrick Flynn
July 26, 1956 — October 20, 2024
Cincinnati
**In Loving Memory of James Patrick Flynn**
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Patrick Flynn, a beloved husband, father, and entrepreneur, who left this world peacefully on October 20, 2024, at the age of 68. Jim is survived by his loving wife Christy, his children Paul and Mariana, his stepchildren David (Nina) and Lisa (Andrew), and his grandchildren Marley, Frankie, Mia and Sophia. He is the son of the late Arthur J. Flynn and Mary Ann (nee Kipp), sibling of Tom (Janette) and Paula Flynn Mertes and the late Janet Smith (Flynn).
Jim was a true Renaissance man of remarkable spirit and boundless love. He dedicated his life to building not only a successful career but also a warm and loving family. As the founder of thriving businesses, he inspired many with his passion for innovation and his unwavering belief in the power of hard work. His entrepreneurial journey was marked by integrity and kindness, traits that endeared him to colleagues and competitors alike.
Proudly born and raised in Cincinnati, Jim had deep roots in his community that extended further over the years. He attended Purcell for high school and forged lifelong friendships through the drama club, Queen’s Men, that he undeniably held close to his heart. He always made time to show each of his friends how much they meant to him in so many unique ways. He also achieved his masters in economics at the University of Cincinnati. Jim was always the first to offer a lending hand to anyone in need. He cherished his friendships and to friends, family and his personal restaurant reservations, he was lovingly known as “Big Jim Daddy,’ as was monogrammed on his famous chef coat. With a diverse collection of interests, hobbies and skills, Jim was the epitome of living life to the fullest. He often spoke of his many cherished years living in Europe and Germany, which shaped his love of culture and travel.
Jim was a man who wore many hats, literally and figuratively. Not only did he build a thriving business from the ground up, but he nurtured it with passion, turning many client relationships into dear friendships. Jim had a knack for knowing something about everything and turning every opportunity into a teachable moment. He was incredibly inquisitive about everything, including airplane flight plans and local history alike. A pillar of the community, he was also a proud Board of Trustee member of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science.
Above all, Jim cherished his family. He shared an irreplaceable bond with his wife, Christy. Together, they explored the world, creating countless memories filled with laughter and adventure. They both shared a deep love for music that spanned from jazz to opera. Their travels took them to beautiful destinations. However, it was over leisurely breakfasts, often featuring fresh, flaky croissants, where their love flourished. Jim glowed whenever he spoke of his beautiful bride and took so much pride in being her husband. Whether wandering through the streets of Paris or enjoying quiet moments at home, their deep connection and love was evident to all who knew them.
Jim was a proud and loving father to his children Paul and Mariana, instilling in them the values of compassion, resilience, and curiosity. His adoration extended to his stepchildren, David and Nina, and Lisa and Andrew. He delighted in his grandchildren Marley, Frankie, Mia and Sophia and was lovingly known to them as “Papa” and “Papa Bear”. He loved nothing more than gathering his family around the table, sharing stories and homemade food, and creating a sense of belonging that will echo in their hearts forever.
His zest for life was contagious, and the sparkle in his eye and his smile could light up even the darkest days. Jim’s laughter, wisdom, and unwavering support will be profoundly missed by his family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of love, adventure, and a reminder to savor the simple joys of life— a shared glass of wine, a perfect Provencal sauce, a stunning sunset, and the warmth of family.
Jim Flynn’s spirit will forever remain in the love he shared and the memories he created. May he rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the beauty he cherished in life.
Toby Day
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Toby M. Day, who left us on September 27, 2023. Mr. Day, a licensed funeral director in both Indiana and Ohio, served as the Director of Business Services and Educational Cremation Center at the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He was deeply committed to providing families with a meaningful funeral experience and believed in the importance of helping them say goodbye and creating peaceful memories to pave the way for a healthy grief journey. He took pride in imparting his knowledge to future funeral service providers, being an alumnus of Ivy Tech Community College (2016) and Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science (AAS - 2018, BMS - 2021). Mr. Day is survived by his loving wife, Mrs. Loretta Day, and his son, Thomas Day. We kindly request that you keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Visitation will take place from 4p to 7p on Friday, October 6, 2023 with a Masonic Service at 7p and a Celebrant Service to follow immediately after, at:
First Baptist Church of Aurora
6060 Blair Rd.
Aurora, IN 47001
Visitation for students and guests from 11:00a to 1:00p on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in the Educational Cremation Center, with a reception following.
Private burial to occur at a later date.
Todd Van Beck
The death care profession lost an icon in funeral service on May 23rd with the passing of Todd Van Beck. Beloved father of Thomas. Son of the late Tony and Norma (nee Fecan). Brother of Scott (Sarah) Van Beck; uncle of Wesley, Helen, Sam and Neil Van Beck. Todd was a person who had a half-century love affair with both funeral and cemetery service. He willingly admitted that he was no “expert!” and also quickly admitted that there was nothing about this work and life that he did not enjoy, and in which he did not have intense interest. Todd had said: “I have never done a day’s work in my life; it has all been fun and interesting.”
Todd was uniquely gifted and took great pride in providing reverent care for the dead and compassionate care for the living. Todd earned his Professional Diploma in Mortuary Science in 1973 from the New England Institute of Funeral Service Arts and Sciences (MA), his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Psychology from Mount Mercy University (IA), and his Master of Arts in Religion from Athenaeum of Ohio (Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary). In 2005, he was awarded the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters Degree from Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service, (Houston, TX). Todd held several certifications and licensures, including the Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP), Certified Funeral Executive (CFE) and licensure in several states.
Prior to his employment as Program Director at Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science (CCMS), Todd served as Faculty/Director of Continuing Education at John A. Gupton College (TN); General Manager of Forest Hill Funeral Homes & Memorial Parks (TN); Director of Family Funeral Care and Public Relations at A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home (GA); President and CEO of the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service (TX); Director of Education for the Loewen Group, Inc. (OH), and Director of Education for Trust 100. His academic career began at CCMS in 1982.
Todd was an active writer and prominent international speaker in the profession. He authored 8 books and over 400 articles on death care topics. An avid historian and academician, Mr. Van Beck grew up in Southwestern Iowa and declared at the young age of 5 that he would become a funeral director one day. Todd operated funeral homes, cemeteries and mortuary colleges during his career. Todd selflessly served the death care profession in many arenas across the nation and internationally, which satisfied his desire to see the world. An Abraham Lincoln scholar, he was an expert in the deaths of United States presidents and authored a presentation about each of the funerals of the deceased American presidents. He was thrilled and humbled to return to CCMS and his cherished Queen City where he planned to continue his mission until retirement. Todd served on the boards of the Cincinnati Fire Museum, the William Howard Taft National Birthplace Site, and the Funeral Service Foundation of the National Funeral Director Association.
CCMS has established a scholarship in Todd's name to honor his legacy.
Livestream recording of May 27 Cincinnati service for Todd Van Beck
Livestream recording of May 30 Iowa service for Todd Van Beck
Beth Williams
On May 8, 2023, the CCMS family lost a dear member. Beth Williams lost her courageous battle with breast cancer. Beth was an alumna of the University of Cincinnati (1996) and CCMS (1998), completing her Bachelor of Mortuary Science degree at CCMS. She was pursuing a Masters of Thanatology degree at the time of her death. Beth had been an Ohio Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer since 1999 and was certified as a Master Funeral Director/Embalmer and Funeral Celebrant. She also held an Ohio Crematory Operator Permit.
Beth joined the CCMS team in 2013 after many years as a practicing Funeral Director/Embalmer. She served as the Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Chief of Staff.
Beth is survived by her husband Russell (Rusty) and her two children, Lainey and Grey.
CCMS has established a scholarship in Beth's name to honor her legacy.