Obituary of James Thomas Finley

James “Jim” Finley

Kingsport- James “Jim” Finley of Kingsport went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 26, 2018.  Though we mourn his death, Jim would say, “Don’t cry because it’s over, Smile because it happened and laugh because you were there! He was born in Chicago, Illinois. Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a Vietnam veteran. He graduated from Cal-State Long Beach and Cal-State Northridge. 

Jim was an engineer in the Civil and Defense Departments. He had been employed by Harris Corp., Boeing, Northrop, Lockheed-Martin, and the Department of Defense. He was most proud of the 10 years he worked on the SR-71 Aircraft.

He loved and cherished his family.  He enjoyed fishing, traveling, and riding his BMW motorcycles.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Elizabeth “Betty” Finley, loving brother, Michael Finley, and sister, Patricia “Patty” K. Finley.

Left to cherish his memory is the love of his life Donna Finley, his children Kenny Johnson, Brian Finley and wife, Linnea, Matthew Finley, sisters Sheila Finley, Maureen Finley, Therese (Tim) Owens, Mary (Kevin) Ryan, and brother John Finley, step-children Jordan Adams, Jason Adams (Kelly Dorton), JD Adams (Bridget); grandchildren Jaxson and Jaycob, Launa, Lincoln, Lucas, and Lanie, several nieces, nephews, and special cousin Bill Botkin.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, January 2, 2019 from 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm at Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport or friends may also call anytime at the residence.  The funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday (January 2, 2018) at 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Bob Howerton, officiating.  A military graveside service will be conducted by the American Legion Hammond Post # 3 # 265 on Thursday, January 3, 2019 at 2:30 pm at Mountain Home National Cemetery in Mountain Home. TN.  Pallbearers will be family and friends.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Vietnam Veterans of America, 8719 Colesville Rd., Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910.  You can send an online condolence to the family by visiting www.cartertrent.com.  Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport is serving the Finley family.