Colonel (Ret.) John S. Finlay, III passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 30, 2011. John was born on June 29, 1927, in Monticello, IA, to the late Jack and Helen Finlay.

He graduated from Sidney Lanier High in 1944, then received a BS degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Maryland in 1949, and a MS degree in Bacteriology from Ohio State University in 1953.

John married Carolyn W. Finlay, June 3, 1949, and they raised three children, Carol Ann, John IV and Robert (deceased). They lived in numerous countries, to include France, Germany and England, before relocating to Satellite Beach, FL in 1968, and their current home in Indian River Colony Club, Melbourne, FL in 1989.

John enlisted in the US Navy on October 25, 1944 and served as an Aviation Radioman aboard PBMs and PB4-Y2s until being discharged on June 28, 1946. He was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force on September 16, 1949, received his pilot wings on April 29, 1954, Instructor Pilot status in December 1955, and had numerous other assignments during his 27 years in the USAF. John flew T-33, T-39, F-84F, F-100D, and F-4D trainer/aircraft.

One of the highlights was when John served as Commander, 10th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Hahn AFB, Germany during the transition from F-100D to F-4D aircraft. Afterwards, John volunteered for Vietnam, so he brought his family back to reside in Satellite Beach, FL and was reassigned on January 28, 1968 to the 366th TFW at DaNang, Republic of Vietnam. On April 28, 1968, while leading a flight of three F-4D Phantom Jets, John was shot down and held as a Prisoner of War at the well-known "Hanoi Hilton" until all POWs were released on March 14, 1973.

Upon his release, John was assigned to the Eastern Test Range, Patrick Air Force Base, FL, as Director of Range Support until his retirement at the rank of Colonel on August 31, 1975. John went back to work April 28, 1980 as a Senior Engineer for Planning Research Corporation (PRC) and as Senior Engineer for Lockheed at the Kennedy Space Center, FL until 1990.

His awards include: Silver Star (1 Oak Leaf), Legion of Merit (1 Oak Leaf), Distinguished Flying Cross (1 Oak Leaf), Bronze Star (with Valor), Purple Heart (1 Oak Leaf), Air Medal (3 Oak Leafs), Command Pilot Wings and numerous others.

John is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn, of 62 years; and their children, Carol Ann of Sevierville, TN and John IV and his wife, Marie of Cary, NC; and his two grandchildren, John V of Raleigh, NC and Brian of Fayetteville, NC. He is also survived by his brother, King and wife, Ginny of Quakerstown, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to: American Cancer Society or Civilian-Military Community Foundation, P.O. Box 3, Cocoa Beach, FL 32923-0003.

A Memorial Service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA, at 11:00 a.m. on June 29, 2012 (John's birthday).

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

Published by FloridaToday on May 20, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Colonel (Ret.) John Finlay

10 Entries

Ken Keyak

May 27, 2025

I wore the Colonel´s POW bracelet but never knew if he had been released. I no longer have the bracelet but never forgot his name. By chance, I did a search for him via the internet on Memorial Day and here it was. So happy to find that he was released and came home to his family. I salute you Sir and thank you for your bravery and service.

Kathy Gibson kaufman

February 9, 2023

I think of your beloved. I wore his POW bracelet when I was in high school. I never knew if he survived POW camp so it was good to know he did and yet remarkable! I can't thank him for his service to our country, so I will thank you all as I know you sacrificed so much too! May God shine His blessings on you all!!

Lawrence Tomei

April 11, 2020

I still have his POW bracelet after all these years. If the family would like it, I would be happy to send it to them.
Lt Colonel (Retired) Lawrence Tomei ([email protected])

Tom Keenan

June 9, 2012

While seemingly trite, I think it speaks so much of an Individual, when you say "He was an Honest Guy". And that was John, a good Husband, a good Father, a Great Warrior, a great Worker, and a good Friend to so many. RIP, John, we all miss you.

Bob and Ann Lawton

June 2, 2012

If ever there were someone deserving of eternal rest at Arlington, his name is Col John Finley. We salute and honor his life of service to our country as we send our condolences to Carolyn and family. We cherish the memories and friendship we were privileged to share: from monthly Civ-Mil meetings to chance encounters on and off base. May John find peace in the serenity of his final resting place.

Pat O'Donnell

May 27, 2012

My thoughts and prayers to Colonel Finlay's family.I wore his POW bracelet until his release.He came into the Patrick AFB Exchange where I worked at the time, and removed it from my wrist.It was a special moment for me.Thank you Colonel Finlay for your service and dedication to our country.

Lloyd Behrendt

May 22, 2012

I was working as a cub photog for the Melbourne Times when our neighbor Col. Vernon Ligon returned from his 6 years as a POW in Hanoi. That later helped me become a friend to Col. Finlay at Civ Mil. His service to America will never be forgotten by me. Fair Skies, Col.

chuck and Britta Kuhlman

May 22, 2012

We remeber John as a great friend and fellow retired Air Force Officer. We send sincere sympathy to his family along with the many special moments with the CivMil organization we shared with John and his wife.
God Bless,
Chuck and Britta Kuhlman

Donald Jackson

May 22, 2012

My heartfelt condolences to the Finlay family though I never meet Col. Finlay directly I and along with others who knew of his plight as a POW and subsequent release and with his son Robert to-which I now read of his passing as well for we together attended Delaura Jr. High and Satellite High schools. May the both rest in peace.

Respectfully,

Nancy Foster

May 21, 2012

I went to Florida Southern with John IV and wore his father's POW bracelet until his release. My heartfelt condolences to the family and many thanks for the sacrifices made for our freedom by Col. Finley and his family. Nancy Foster

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