James "Jim" Finan

James (Jim) Finan, 48 of River Edge, NJ passed away on August 2, 2023. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol-Ann, cherished father of Abigail and Anna, devoted son of Edward and the late Jeanne, dear brother of the late Eddie, Laura (Adrian), Jennifer (Brian), beloved uncle to Emma, Quinn, Gavin and Eddie, son-in-law to Vinny and Carol, brother-in-law to Christina and Regina, and much-loved nephew, cousin and friend to many.
Jim grew up in Congers, NY and graduated from Clarkstown North High School in 1992. He was the youngest of the family and had a fun-filled childhood which included family vacations that his siblings and he continued as a family tradition with their own families. He was a Yankees fan through and through and suffered through being a loyal Jets fan. He loved movies and applied movie quotes to everyday life with ease. He was an avid reader and had an uncanny ability to retain information and remember useless facts; we jokingly referred to him as Cliff Claven. You never wanted to compete against Jim in Trivial Pursuit because you would never win! Jim always had a quick wit and never took life too seriously; from a young age he was always telling jokes at family parties and always had a great sense of humor. You could always count on Jim for a funny one-liner. He made friends wherever he went.
Jim graduated from The Catholic University of America in 1996, earning a BA in Accounting. He pursued a career in finance which even led him to a childhood dream job at Marvel comics. His career path led him to Mediabrands, where he was Director of Financial Planning and Analysis.
Jim met his wife, Carol-Ann one fateful night at Kitty O'Sheas in Washington, D.C. who would prove to be his perfect match. They married in 2001 and although they considered themselves true New Yorkers, they settled in River Edge, NJ in 2004, where they built a life together. They became active members in a family-oriented community, where Jim took great pride in being involved in the AOH brotherhood, Knights of Columbus and Men's Softball League, just to name a few. He formed many lasting friendships that he cherished.
Jim's absolute greatest loves were his two daughters, Abby and Anna. He took on the role of "Girl Dad" with pride and enthusiasm. He volunteered as their coach for numerous sports, always being available for carpooling and never missing a game. He was a dedicated father, even volunteering to be class dad. Jim loved his daughters dearly and always went above and beyond for them, often building projects from scratch and working late into the night.
Jim was truly one of a kind. He loved creating and keeping family traditions which included hosting Thanksgiving dinners, BBQ's, Christmas Eve, Chili contests, and especially his specialty, personalized pancakes he made for every birthday, special event and first day of school. He carried on the traditions of his mother's recipes, making potato pie and Irish soda bread. Jim cherished his relationship with his dad, often saying he learned everything he knew from him. He was "the" fun uncle, always being involved in the lives of his niece and nephews, as well as having a close bond with his brothers-in law and sisters-in-law. Jim was welcomed into the Carol-Ann's family with open arms and some relief as his father-in-law finally had a male ally. His love of family was evident at all reunions, parties, and gatherings with his aunts, uncles, and cousins. That love also extended to friends who he considered family.
We will all take comfort with the knowledge that Jim is now reunited with his mother, Jeanne, and older brother Eddie, probably making jokes, playing a game of catch and laughing together.
All are welcomed for a visitation at St. Peter the Apostle R.C. Church, 445 Fifth Avenue in River Edge, NJ on Tuesday, August 8th from 4-8PM. A mass of Christian burial will be offered at the church on Wednesday, August 9th at 11AM. Interment following to Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah, NJ.