James Nellis Finch

James Nellis Finch, age 83, passed peacefully on March 16, 2016 after a long battle with dementia. Jim was born in St. Johnsville, NY on September 13, 1932 to Edna and Fred Finch. He was the youngest sibling to Jane and Bill. Jim graduated from St. Johnsville HS where he played basketball, baseball and the clarinet. Then on to Oneonta State College where he earned his teaching degree and also played basketball. Jim served two years in the Army during the Korean War from 1954-56 and later earned a Master's Degree and Doctorate of Education from Columbia University in 1965. Jim married Jean Mullen, the love of his life in 1956, and they had two children, Sally and Doug. Jean was his rock until the end showing all of us what love "in sickness and health" truly means.

Jim was a lifelong educator as a teacher and principal in New York, an Assistant Superintendent in New Jersey and a Superintendent of Schools in Fitchburg City Schools in Massachusetts and in Sweet Home Central School District in Amherst, NY. He was very active leading his schools, supporting athletics, drama, music and arts. His favorite place to be on the first day of school was Kindergarten, as the new fresh faces arrived. When he wasn't at his schools, Jim loved to golf, watch his Buffalo Bills, hunt with his Springer Spaniels, read, play basketball and listen to music, especially his beloved jazz .

Upon retirement to a golf community in Sanford, NC, he continued to stay very active as a leader in the community, heading up the HOA and building Habitat for Humanity houses. He remained an avid golfer, reader, and bird lover. He was the proud Pop-Pop of four grandchildren and furthered his love of photography by taking lots of photos of them. He loved to ride his motorcycle to various destinations in the area. Jim was a power walker with long legs and anyone walking with him had to run to keep up! He enjoyed any time spent with his family and friends, arranging outings for us to experience together. Jim especially loved our annual family vacation at Sunset Beach, NC.

Jim is survived by his wife Jean, daughter Sally Finch Campbell, son Douglas James Finch, son-in-law Ron Campbell, daughter-in-law Sandy Finch, grandchildren Jaclyn Howell, Nicole Campbell, Molly Finch and Jacob Finch, along with many nieces and nephews that loved their Uncle Jim. Jim was loved by many and will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers or monetary donations, Jim would want you to take care of each other and give lots of hugs.

Services will be held at a later date at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA.

Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 886-9899