James Merle Finley

James (Jim) Merle Finley, 86 of Grants Pass passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 11, 2018 after a 7-month battle with cancer. Jim was born in Daingerfield, Texas on January 5, 1932 to James William Finley and Octo Ludie Miller Finley. He grew up in the country and he learned the value of hard work on their farm. At 18 years old, Jim joined the Air Force. He served 20 years in the security service and intelligence. He met Victoria Ricoy in Waco, Texas and they married in 1954. They had two children, Deborah McKinney of Lompoc, California and Gregory Finley of Paul’s Valley, Oklahoma. They were stationed in many places in the world, Germany, Texas, Alaska and Pakistan. He retired at Vandenberg Air Force base in Lompoc, California. Jim earned his criminal justice degree after he retired from the Air Force. Then he worked for the federal penitentiary system in Lompoc, California and retired in 1989.

He and his wife, Vicki moved to Cave Junction in 1989. Vicki passed away in 2006 after 52 years of devoted marriage.

In 2007, he met Susan Arbes of Grants Pass. They married in 2008 and he lived the last 10 years in a happy, loving marriage.

Jim Finley was a man who didn’t know a stranger. He was a people person and loved conversations and getting to know people. He believed in positive thinking and affirming people, especially his loved ones. There wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t tell his wife she was beautiful or tell his kids that he loved them. He loved life and never took the beauty of this world or one day for granted. We wish his positive nature could be possessed by everyone. He was a history buff and his knowledge of details of historical events was amazing. Jim was also a great story teller. Everyone loved his stories of his childhood and travels. Jim loved painting, gardening, cooking and canning. His “finjimley” hot sauces were shared with anyone who wanted them. All of his interests were a reflection of his love of life. He was the most brave, encouraging, positive, loving and devoted man on this planet. He hated injustice and prejudice and believed that everyone had a right to be valued. Heaven has acquired a special angel. He will be missed by his family, friends and anyone who knew him.

Jim is survived by his wife, Susan, his children, Deborah and Gregory and a sister Ida Quarles of Longview, Texas. 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Victoria and two sisters, Claudine Moran and Margaret Harkness.

A memorial service will be held at St Anne Catholic Church on September 8, 2018 at 11:00 am.

Donations may be made in his honor to St. Anne Catholic Church, 1131 NE 10th Street, Grants Pass, OR 97526.