Jack Finley

John "Jack" Finley, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, son-in-law, uncle, great uncle, cousin, and friend, has passed away at the age of 80. Born in Illinois, Jack made Arizona his home for the past 47 years, where he built a life filled with adventure, laughter, and cherished memories.
Known for his vibrant spirit, infectious smile, and love of good company, Jack was always on the move, ready to share stories, and eager to strike up a conversation. Laughter was always part of the time you spent with Jack.
As a proud Army veteran, 1st Armored Division "Old Ironsides," one of his favorite pastimes was sharing steel pennies from the World War II era, a personal tradition he cherished. He carried these pennies in his pocket, gifting them to those he met, and delighting in sharing the stories they held.
Jack had a long career in the automobile business, beginning in the 1960s with his father-in-law's business, BBB Motor Company in Illinois, and continuing with Pitre Automotive Group when he moved to Arizona in 1977. After retiring from Pitre, Jack found joy in creating intricate birdhouses from wine corks, playing golf, hiking, fishing, and traveling with family and friends. Jack especially enjoyed traveling with Lynn to the different wineries near their favorite travel spot: Escondido, CA. One of Jack's favorite hobbies, going back to when he was a child, was playing Gin Rummy for "penny a point" with his family. Jack was always up for morel mushroom hunting, especially with his brother. Jack and his daughter shared a love of bird watching, but Jack had a special connection with hummingbirds. Whether he was at home or when he would travel, you could find him feeding them, sometimes from his hand.
Jack will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 57 years, Lynn; his daughter, Karen; his grandson, John; his son-in-law Robert and bonus grandchildren, Jaxson and Hudsen; his brother, Jim (Sharon); brothers-in-law Don (Jeannie), Steve (Sarah), Bernard (Debby); nieces Carla, Tracy, Stephanie, Melinda, Monique, Shelly, and Collette; nephews Perry, Geoff, and Nick; as well as numerous cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews and dear friends from near and far.
The family invites all who knew Jack to join them for visitation on February 28, 2025, from 11am-1pm, at Messinger Mortuary Indian School. Entombment will follow, with military honors, at Paradise Memorial Gardens in Scottsdale, AZ at 2pm.
Jack's legacy of joy, generosity, and adventure will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. His warm presence, kind heart, and love for life will be forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack's memory to Wounded Warriors Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx?tsid=10043&ovr_acv_id=5246) or the American Legion (https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Give/Donate-Online/Donate-Now?CashProductId=134413).