James Edward "Jim" Finn

James 'Jim' Edward Finn

ONALASKA -- James "Jim" E. Finn, 75, of Onalaska passed away peacefully in his home Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, with his family by his side. He was born Dec. 30, 1945, in La Crosse, to William and Catherine (Murphy) Finn. Jim was a life-long resident of La Crosse. He graduated from Aquinas High School in 1964. He then attended UW-La Crosse, graduating in 1969, with a B.A. in history and political science and in 1970, with a masters in college student personnel. He married Donna McClary, May 29, 1971, at Roncalli Newman Center in La Crosse. Together they purchased a home they loved and shared for 42 years, on Main street.

He started his career in admissions at Viterbo University for six years, the last two of which he was director of financial aid. In late 1976, he became associate director of student financial aid at UW-La Crosse. He then became director of student financial aid at UW-L in 2000, and retired in 2005. He enjoyed reading, camping, crossword puzzles, summer vacations every year with his family, and traveling extensively with Donna in the U.S., Canada and Ireland. After retiring they wintered the months of January and February each year, in Punta Gorda, Fla. Together they were very active in the Shamrock Club of La Crosse, and he was La Crosse Irish Man of the Year in 1997. Jim was also an avid beer sign collector, stamp collector and enjoyed golfing a few times a week, having scored two holes-in-one over the years.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Donna; one daughter, Bridget (Tim) Haverland of La Crosse; one son, Colin (Kristy) Finn of Mondovi, Wis.; seven grandchildren, Ellie, Quade, Cole, Autumn, Kylie, Jake and Satchel; along with five nieces, Mary, Ana, Kate, Christina and Pam. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, William Finn; a sister, Mary Tolentino; and two nephews, Ted and Greg.

The family would like to thank hospice and the staff at Mayo Clinic Health System, especially nurse, Keith, and Dr. Sallaway, who guided us in bringing Jim home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1333 S. 13th St., La Crosse. The Rev. Rick Roberts will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, 200 West Ave. S., La Crosse, and again from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday at the church. Facial coverings are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Viterbo University or UW-La Crosse.

Online guestbook is available at www.schumacher-kish.com.