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James Finch Obituary
James Arthur Finch Jr., 33, passed away Monday, Oct. 26, 2008, at his home.
James was born Feb. 14, 1975, in Fairbanks and was a lifelong resident.
James was a 1993 graduate of Lathrop High School and was employed as an engineering technician with Golden Valley Electric Association.
James enjoyed skateboarding and snowboarding and spent many hours trying to perfect his skills. He was a member of Fairbanks Pool Association and entered several tournaments, including one in Las Vegas in 1998. He joined several bowling leagues throughout the years and scored a 300 at The Arctic Bowl.
As an adult, James enjoyed riding rolling coasters and other amusement thrills. James enjoyed road trips, especially fishing down in Valdez. He excelled at everything he put his mind to. With no formal training, James was able to learn all aspects of working at GVEA. His generosity and willingness to give to others were unmatched. He was able to make and keep friendships easily. James could be described as the "best friend" and "greatest co-worker" that anyone ever hoped for.
He was preceded in death by his father, James A. Finch Sr.
James is survived by his mother, Dottie Finch of Fairbanks; brother, Michael J. Finch of Wasilla; sister, Marlene M. Finch Bridge of Seattle; niece, Nicole Finch of Wasilla; nephew, Kaleb Finch of Wasilla; nephew, James Finch of Seattle; niece, Kathleen Finch Bridge of Seattle; niece, Cameron Finch Bridge of Seattle; nephew, Cody Finch Bridge of Seattle; nephew, Jaiden Finch Bridge of Seattle; and many other close friends here in Fairbanks.
A celebration of James' life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1, at Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home with the Rev. Scott Fisher officiating.
Arrangements were by Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Finch
Sponsored by Dottie Finch.
Terry Garwood
October 26, 2019
Not a day has gone by that I don't miss or think about you. Love ya man.
Leisha Rice
November 21, 2008
Ever since I was little James was like another big brother that would hang wout with me with-out beating me up! He always brought a smile to the house when he came over expecially when he wore his white shoes:O) I always teased him about them. I am so deeply ashamed that I couldn't bring myself to attend the funeral. He is the the first brother I ever lost! Much luv and prayers to his mom and family!
DeAngela Fisher-Thurman
November 15, 2008
James was a good friend in middle school and high school. I will never forget his smile. It always brightened my day! :)
To his mother and family, may god bless you all and comfort you in your time of need.
Doug Ritter
November 12, 2008
I worked with James for several years. I will always think of him as a great guy. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
Darlene McCarter
November 12, 2008
To Dottie and the Finch family. James was such a good guy, so many friends and everybody liked him, he is missed. What a tragedy, I am so sorry.
Bobbie Coghill (McCarter)
November 12, 2008
To Dottie,
I am so deeply saddened by your loss. My heart goes out to you and I can only hope that you are consumed with the many wonderful memories James was able to leave behind. I never got to meet him but only heard the best from everybody that knew him. Please take care of yourself and please call if you need anything from me, anytime.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you everyday.
Bobbie Coghill (McCarter)
Wendy WATSON
November 11, 2008
Aunt Dottie, you and your family are in our prayers and thoughts, at this difficult time. May you know that James is in the Lord's hands and is resting in a blessed place. He is now among the angels, and watching over you, as you did his entire life. God Bless you. Love, Jeffrey and Wendy Watson, Hannah and Samantha
Hellen McQuain
November 10, 2008
James was a great friend in highschool, kind, loyal and funny. My prayers go out to the Finch family. I will remember his great smile and warmth.
Hillary Dayton
November 4, 2008
Dear Dodie and Family ... Your adopted family in Rest_Area League extend their deepest sympathies. So sorry to hear of your loss. God will keep an ever watchful over James. With love and hugs, The Admin Board (Meme, Sungirl, Cmarnold and Uttermutter01) and all the members of Rest_Area League
GEORGE & ELIZABETH WATSON
November 3, 2008
TAKE COMFORT IN KNOWING YOU HAVE A VERY SPECIAL ANGEL WATCHING OVER YOU HE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU SIS GOD BLESS YOU AND THE FAMILY
Travis Parfait
November 3, 2008
I knew James for many years. Whether it was drawing design for a speaker box or planning a Friday night cruise route, it had to be perfect and efficient. He never did anything halfway, or poorly. I honestly cannot think of a " highlight reel " from high school and the several years following without James. I loved him like a brother, and am saddened that my children were never able to meet him. You will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.
Corey Rice and family
November 1, 2008
Finch mob was one of my two bothers best freinds, and I looked up too em all. He is going to be missed greatly, and our thoughts and prayers are with the finch family.
Sean Rice
November 1, 2008
Hello James
You will be missed very much. Not only were you the best friend that a guy could ever ask for, but you were an uncle to my children, as well as a God-Father to one. These are some big shoes to fill, but you will never be gone. You will live on in our memories and in our love. I don't want to say good-bye, only because in my hearts of hearts we will meet again. So when you are up there talking to God put in a good word for us, and save us all a seat.
We love you James
Sean Rice
Jamie Rice
Kacey Fugate
Jazlyn Rice
Isabelle Rice
Maura Douglas
October 31, 2008
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Scott Coltellaro
October 30, 2008
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Jerry & Dorothy Snelling
October 30, 2008
Mrs. Finch,
We are deeply sadden by the sudden loss of James. Do know that we have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless and give you strength to get through this devastating time.
October 30, 2008
Please accept my condolences for your loss. May your memories now become a treasure. The love and support of family and friends will give you strength as you celebrate the life of James Arthur Finch, Jr. "...God is love." (James 4:8)
Ryan Tremblay
October 30, 2008
Dear Family of James,
What a tragic loss.
I'm just a guy who came into GVA this summer and sat down with James a couple of times to do a layout of a small subdivision, but afterwords, I was telling my wife what a joy it had been to work with someone so talented, intelligent, and enthusiastic about his work as James. I'm very sorry.
Ryan richardson
October 30, 2008
James was a brother to me, A best freind.
His generosity was unmatched.
I am and all ways will be a better
person for haveing James in my life.
I will miss him more than any words can express.
October 30, 2008
Dear Family,
Our sincerest sympathies
for your loss. We certainly
can tell from James fine
tributes he was a fine man
(psalm 23)
Julian Martin
October 30, 2008
James and I were the best of friends back in High School. After graduation we lost touch but I always asked about him through mutual friends and I knew he was doing great. He will be dearly missed. Love You Man....
Ajani Snelling
October 30, 2008
To my man James.. I have known you since the first grade and we have always been close. It pains me that you half completed this portion of life so suddenly, yet I know that the next chapter for you is forever lasting. I used your last name and some of your characteristics in my first book and never had the chance to tell you. You'll never be forgotten. peace
Sy Freitas
October 30, 2008
I've had the pleasure of knowing james for many years, He will always be loved and missed, I will never forget the fond memories I've had hanging out with him and our deerest friends who I call family. My deepest condolences go out to his family and his deerest of friends. You are all in my heart and in my prayers.
William Robideau
October 30, 2008
I will keep this man's smile and laughter with me always.
Lois Wright
October 30, 2008
We would like to express our deepest sympathy at your sudden loss of James.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you in this time.
We regret being unable to be by your side, to hold your hand & wipe the tears of your sorrow.
We will all be together again in eternal life, James will be waiting for us when it is our time to join him.
His sprit, his love, his zest will live on in our hearts as memories, to comfort us until we meet again.
Your family always,
Aunt Mary Green,
Cousin Lois, Wright
& many 2nd cousins here too.
Fairmont, MN.
October 30, 2008
October 30, 2008
October 30, 2008
1998 Buddha's Billiard Boys
October 30, 2008
October 30, 2008
Las Vegas 1998
October 30, 2008
October 30, 2008
James' fifth year anniversary celebration
Terry Garwood
October 30, 2008
There is not enough room in this paper to express what James meant to me. I will miss him every day of the rest my life. I want to thank Sean Rice and Jason Vondra and every body at GVEA for their pictures of James.
Cheryl Laudert
October 30, 2008
May our memories of James bring a smile to our faces and in turn ease the pain. I am so terribly sorry for your loss.
Julie Rumery
October 30, 2008
My deepest condolences. I knew James for a short time and enjoyed his company. He will be greatly missed.
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