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John L. "Jack" Finley

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Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

3700 North Germantown Parkway

Bartlett, Tennessee

John Finley Obituary

CAPTAIN JOHN L. "Jack" FINLEY, USN, (ret.), 70, passed away on September 19, 2006. Capt. Finley was a 1957 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He served 25 years with the Navy, being selected for command of a Detachment, Squadron, Air Wing, Fleet Replenishment Tanker and Aircraft Carrier. He graduated from USAF Aerospace Research Pilot School and was selected as one of the original seven astronauts of the Manned Orbiting Laboratory. During his career, he earned several meritorious awards including multiple Distinguished Flying Crosses, Strike Flight Air Medals and Navy Commendation Medals for action in combat during the Viet Nam War. He also amassed well over 1000 carrier landings. Following his naval career, Finley spent 15 years with Federal Express Corporation achieving the level of Vice President Aircraft Line Operations, six years as Executive Vice President at Intrepid Aviation Partners, and two years as COO/CEO Dee Howard Aircraft Maintenance. He is survived by his two daughters, Vicky Baker of Atlanta, GA and Cindy Finley Webster; and her two sons, Nick Finley and Jake Finley of Coronado, CA; and his fiancee', Patty Kowalczyk of Bartlett, TN. At Finley's request, there will be no memorial services. These requirements will be handled at sea in the Pacific under the USN's Burial at Sea Program. Anyone desiring to make Remembrances or Donations, please do so to the charity of your choice. Memphis Funeral Home Germantown Parkway Chapel www.memphisfuneralhome.net 901-725-0100

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Commercial Appeal on Sep. 22, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for John Finley

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Debbie Fox Brown

October 11, 2006

Hey Cindy--
My sister Janette saw your Dad's name in the paper and called me. Hang in there. Call me if you get a mind to.

Bill and Darlene Cole

October 2, 2006

We are very sorry for your loss. It is never easy to say good bye to the people you love.

Michael Kellaway

October 2, 2006

Jack was one of the most modest and unassuming men that had clearly achieved so much. I had the pleasure of working with him in Asia in the early days of the planning for FEDEX operations there. Always the gentleman I'm sure he will be missed by all close to him. Bon voyage.

Al LaRocca

September 28, 2006

Jack achieved what most men can only dream of. We should celebrate his life. It was an honor to know him.

Bill Green

September 25, 2006

To a great man I never knew of until his passing. My sincere condolonces to his many friends and loved ones..., Bill Green

Patrick Mulvey

September 24, 2006

I worked with Captain Jack twenty years ago at FEDEX. He was a gentleman and a consummate professional. It was always a pleasure to be in his company.

Ed and Betty Hickey

September 24, 2006

We were very sorry for your loss. Jack was one of the good guys.

Craig and Cammy Weaver

September 24, 2006

Jack was my mentor, commanding officer and our dear friend. His passing is a loss of a very precious part of our lives.

LESTZLER TAYLOR

September 23, 2006

CAPTAIN JACK FINLEY IS AND WAS ONE OF THE FINEST MEN I EVER MET IN MY LIFE. THE BEST LEGACY A PERSON CAN LEAVE FOR HIS FAMILY AND FREINDS IS FOR THEM TO BE ABLE TO SAY "HE WAS A GOOD MAN".

Dot (Walker) Phillips

September 22, 2006

My memories of Jack are fond ones from FedEx Feeder Aircraft Operations in the mid to late 80's. He was always fair to me, and we shared a mutual respect for one another. My favorite memory of him is that he never liked long meetings. He wanted you there ON TIME, and if he had his way, they were an hour, max! My condolences to his daughters, grandsons, and fiance'.

Margaret Whatley

September 22, 2006

Patty- thinking of all of you at this time

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133

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