Mr. James Wright Finley

JAMES WRIGHT FINLEY was born on November 8, 1923. He passed peacefully to his rest at home with family in Apopka, Florida, on June 7, 2013. Jim grew up in New York City during the Great Depression, where he learned resourcefulness and resilience as a child in difficult circumstances. His early jobs as a boy included postal telegraph, guide for a blind woman, and assistant for an elderly relative. Jim joined the Navy at the age of 17, where he was assigned to a navy machinist school. While stationed in New London, Connecticut, he met Gloria Dora Jackson, who became his wife on January 3, 1944. The two were happily married for 66 years. Shortly after their marriage, Jim and Gloria moved to Vallejo, California, where Jim served at the Mare Island Navy Yard. During his naval career, Jim was on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier for the historic testing of the atomic bomb in the Bikini Islands. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, the Finleys moved Connecticut, where Jim’s entrepreneurial spirit and resourcefulness resulted in the launching of his own business, Finley Screw Machine Products. During 30 years of operation, the business produced a variety of machined parts, including a piece for one of the United States space shuttles. Following the sale of Finley Screw Machine Products, Jim launched a second business, James Wright Industries, which is in operation to this day. Jim’s wit, optimism, forward-thinking, and generosity were well-known in his church and community. A devoted Christian, he was a pillar of the Norwich, Connecticut, Seventh-day Adventist Church and preached in countless churches throughout New England, encouraging all those around him to put their faith in the Lord. In later years, he served as a devoted member of the Deltona, Florida, Seventh-day Adventist Church where he taught a weekly Bible study class, and finally as a contributing member of the Kress Memorial Church in Winter Park, Florida. Through the years, Jim enjoyed boating on Long Island Sound with his wife and family. After his retirement, he and Gloria trailed all over the United States and Canada for 15 years, hitting 44 states. Wherever he went, Jim made an impact, encouraging countless people with uplifting words and acts of kindness and generosity. Jim was extremely proud of his four children. He is survived by his son, Mark Finley and wife Teenie of Haymarket, Virginia; his daughter, Dale Slongwhite and husband David of Altamonte Springs, Florida; his daughter, Sandra Doran and husband, Eric of Apopka, Florida; and his daughter, Holly David and husband, Lee of Westbrook, Connecticut; 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of James Finley to Adventist Community Services of New York, Hurricane Sandy Family Relief, 4126 58th Street, Woodside, New York, 11377. Funds raised will go to the continual rebuilding of families in New York City who lost everything during this massive storm. Arrangements are entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, 9001 N. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, Florida 32751. (407) 695-CARE(2273).

Mr. James Wright Finley

November 8, 1923 - June 7, 2013