Livonia, NY/Roxbury, NY: At age 95, Jim passed peacefully on February 24, 2023 at the Conesus Lake Nursing Home in Livonia, NY. He was born on April 19, 1927, in Roxbury, NY to the late Elicum and Elizabeth (O’Donnell) Finch. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife Anna “Gladys” (Liddle) Finch, his second wife Melissa Finch, son Dennis Finch, sisters; Doris Martindale, Inez Wells, and Angie Finch, and his brother Joseph Finch. Survived by his children; Daniel (Karen) Finch of Livonia, Douglas (Bonnie) Finch of MD, Betsy (Larry) Cridlin of VA, Duane (Sonja) Finch of Newcomb, NY, and Bonnie (Tim) Barkman of Roxbury; 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 18 nieces and nephews. Also survived by close friend Katherine “Katie” Manzolillo. Special thanks to the staff at Conesus Nursing Home.
Jim spent many years as a highly specialized welder building submarines for the US Navy at Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut. He returned to Roxbury and the family farm in Meeker Hollow where he started Finch’s Welding, and his work is still visible throughout the area. Some of his inventions were granted U.S. patents.
A Memorial Service to Celebrate Jim’s Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 15th, at the Jay Gould Memorial Reformed Church, 53837 State Highway 30, Roxbury, NY. Following the service there will be a time of fellowship and, at 3pm, interment at Vega Cemetery, Roxbury, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jay Gould Church or Adult Teen Challenge, PO Box 249, Ozark, MO 65721 or online at www.teenchallengeusa.org. To send a condolence, or to share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Uncle Jim was an awesome guy all around. He was gentle and it was easy to listen to him talk for hours about anything. My husband Aaron ( his nephew) really enjoyed his stories on welding.
Dan, Doug, Duane, Bonnie ,Betsy and family we send our love to all of you!
RIP Uncle Jim
Much love,
Aaron,Nicole,Noah,Christian and Liam
Jimmy was a kind and loving gentleman who will be dearly missed. Rest in Peace Jim.
Jimmy Finch was a real gentleman! My husband was cutting his hair for a while and whenever he came it was usually after he had visited the cemetery visiting his wife and he always brought some flowers for me. Such a sweet caring person, truly a loss to our community. My husband used his welding skills a few times. He will be missed RIP Jimmy – you are loved by many! Rita & Jimmy Bracco
Rest in peace Jim, and may your family find comfort.
Rick and Gretchen Lutz.
My condolences to Dan, Karen, and family. Sue and I send our love and prayers.