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James Finkle Obituary
Canandaigua: September 4, 2015, at age 66. A beautiful soul has left this world. Jim aka "Parky", was truly one of God's gentlemen. He was kind to a fault and cared immensely for those around him. Jim adored his wife of 43 years, Nancy (Mills) Finkle and was so proud of his children, Betsy and Robbie. He will be greatly missed by the Finkle and Mills families and all those whose lives he touched. Jim lived his early life in Youngstown, NY with his parents, Donald Finkle and Lucille (Bennett) Finkle and surviving brother and sisters, Donald Finkle Jr., Betsy Habberfield and Peggy Kopelcheck. He spent many happy days at his family's Adirondack camp and Jersey shore farm. Jim worked hard at Alfred State and Cornell University for undergraduate and graduate studies respectively. He had a rare combination of fine character and many skills. His modesty belied his many accomplishments. His professional achievements included a long and successful career at Constellation Brands in Fairport and he made significant contributions to the domestic and international wine and spirits community. Jim received many accolades for his work. As a community minded individual he worked tirelessly and passionately for those things he believed in. He was a lifetime member of The Salvation Army and participated in school, community, and political activities. Jim was a member of the First Congregational Church. He was also an avid outdoorsman, historian, sportsman, animal lover, gardener, and thinker. Jim left this world a better place, but much too soon. He taught us many lessons about living an honorable life, that we will cherish.
Services are private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 510, Canandaigua, NY 14424 or the FLCC Foundation for the James P. Finkle Scholarship Fund, for the Viticulture Program, c/o 3325 Marvin Sands Dr., Canandaigua, NY 14424 or online at www.give.flcc.edu. Arrangements are by Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc., Canandaigua. Condolences may be offered at www.johnsonkennedy.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Finkle
Rebecca Snyder
September 5, 2025
He was such a wonderful human being and he is missed every day
Pete Downs
September 6, 2019
One of my fondest memories of Jim was on a trip to Ireland, sitting in a bar at the end of a long day of solving international problems and enjoying a local libation. A true gentleman, an able negotiator and my friend.
Roger Panara
September 15, 2015
Neighbor for 28 years and honestly never met anybody better. Gonna miss ya
September 14, 2015
Nancy and family
I am just heartbroken for you. I am so, so sorry. Jim was one of the nicest, kindest, beautiful men I ever met in my life. I remember the day he came in for his interview and he had all of us at hello. Such a beautiful smile.
My only regret is I never got to see him after his retirement party.
God Bless you and God Bless Jim
Yvonne O'Donnell
September 14, 2015
Jim was such an incredible individual who was smart, funny and cared for the work he did and those he worked with. I had the honor of serving with him on the boards of both Wine America and FIVS. He will be missed but his presence will alway be felt. Caroline Shaw (Sonoma, CA.)
Pete Downs
September 13, 2015
I worked with Jim for many years on behalf of the wine industry. His dedication and "can do" approach made him a leader among his co-workers. His ability to build coalitions was truly legendary. I will miss him on both a personal and professionsl level.
September 13, 2015
Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss. Jim was a truly great and wonderful person and we will miss him. I have also informed Josh in Pakistan and he too sends his condolences.
The Pitler Family
JOHN GERSTNER
September 12, 2015
MISSED
September 12, 2015
From my mother and family, my heart goes out to you and yours.
It is so hard to understand why this happened but hold close the good memories and the knowledge that you were so very loved by him.
Love you, Nance. We'll talk soon.
September 11, 2015
Our sincere sympathy and loving thoughts.
I remember the first day when Jim started at the winery. He was the nicest person and always had time to say hi and ask how you were.
God bless always,
Holly (Hitchcock) and Russ Graff
Jean Lewis
September 11, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go out to Nancy and the family. Thinking of Parky. What a terrific guy!
Linda Rider
September 11, 2015
I am so sad about the passing of Jim and my sistor Carole is also.
We were so happy we got to spend time with Jim at his retirement party and thank God for bringing him into our lives. My prayers are with you all that u may endure these sad days. Linda Rider and Carole Collier Parkies old coworkers who will never forget that he liked mayo on his pizza.
September 11, 2015
Nancy our love , prayers and thoughts are with you. Jim's wonderful sense of humor and beautiful smile will not be forgotten. Our hearts are heavy, Joe would often comment on how well liked he was by everyone. He said the ladies at the office would say if they could choose a clone for a perfect husband,it would be Jim. We were so lucky to have known him.He touched so many lives in a positive, admirable way... Love, Anne and Joe
Krista Stonewell
September 11, 2015
Nancy and family,
So very sorry for your loss. I will forever remember Jim for his wonderful smile and his kind demeanor. Prayers for Lord's peace to surround you in your time great sadness.
Krista,LPN
Kathleen Norris
September 11, 2015
Jim was such a kind and generous person. He was a wonderful Howell Street neighbor. So glad to have known him.
Sis Habberfield
September 11, 2015
Remembering my brother Parky, who designed and made a flower garden for me on my 16th birthday.
September 11, 2015
To Jim's family, please accept our sincere condolences; having knowing Jim for almost 40 years we never heard him utter a harsh word about anyone. Constellation would not be the company today if not for people like Jim. Many long time growers owe a deep sense of gratitude to Jim for his honesty and commitment. God bless Jim's family and his cowboy boots.
Archer & Pratz Inc.
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Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc. - Canandaigua47 N. Main St., Canandaigua, NY 14424
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