James Alan Fincher
James Alan Fincher
James Alan Fincher, age 81, of Kenmore, Washington passed away on June 15, 2022. Jim was born in Greeley, Colorado on April 15, 1941. He moved to Lake Oswego, Oregon when he was four years old along with his mother, father, and sisters. Jim went into the Air Force right out of high school and was stationed at Holliman Air Force Base and White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico from 1959-1963. Shortly after his military service, his sister introduced him to a woman named Karen she was friends with at work, who had a hot 64-1/2 Mustang he admired. After Karen let him drive her car, he had to have his own, and he bought a convertible 64-1/2 Mustang two days later. Twin cars ‘Millie’ and ‘Milton’ Mustang were born, and it was an auspicious sign. After a short courtship, Jim and Karen were married in Lake Oswego, Oregon on December 19, 1964, during the worst snow and ice storm to date in the Pacific Northwest. Jim’s tremendous work ethic was on display that night as, after the pipes burst at the church, he first set thoughts of the wedding aside to bail water to avoid permanent damage! Always the first to chip in and last to leave, this work ethic carried him well throughout a respected career as an engineering manager, where he worked primarily in the sheet metal fabrication field for various companies in Seattle, Woodinville, and Everett.
Jim also taught his children the value of hard work, but he had a tremendously goofy side as well. He once broke his big toe chasing his young daughters Kerri and Kristi around the house pretending to be “The Gorn” from Star Trek. Though it must have been exceedingly painful, he likely had no regrets! Wrestling matches with the kids on the floor, Boy Scout campouts with son Rob, and accompanying family singalongs on his guitar — Elvis and Beach Boys were favorites! — all contributed to the family fun. Later in life, Jim also cherished the relaxing and fun time he spent with his best friends on the Wellington and Snohomish Golf courses and always looked forward to those days during the week when they could be together. He was happy to have made his first “hole in one” a few years ago at the Snohomish Golf Course.
Jim is survived by his wife, Karen, son Rob (Evelyn) Fincher and two daughters, Kerri (Bill) Newton and Kristi (Tom) Ramey, as well as grandchildren Tony (Alli), Andy, and Jessica Newton, Emily and Grace Ramey, and Lillian Fincher, and great grandchildren Andi and Isaac Newton. He is also survived by sisters Jerrie (Kermit) Buchanan and Joan Abrahamson as well as nieces and nephews Lorie and Scott (Marjorie) Buchanan and Raundi Wilson and Mark Abrahamson, and great niece and nephew Meghan and Alan Buchanan.
Jim led a life truly well lived. His honesty, integrity, determination, and courage both in life and in facing death provided such a wonderful blessing to all who knew him. Jim, Daddy, “D”, Pop, and Grandpa (aka Grampa/“Grumpa”) will be imprinted on our lives forever, and we take such comfort in knowing that he is finally at peace.
“Oh that I had wings like a dove, for then would I fly away and be at rest.”
– Psalm 55:6
16 Responses to “James Alan Fincher”
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What a beautiful tribute to a man who was loved by all who knew him. You will be missed but R.I.P. my dear cousin. You deserve it.
What a wonderful write up for a wonderful friend, husband and grampa. He’s probably golfing in heaven now that’s it’s cooler.
If you have a friend for 10 years you are very fortunate.
If you have a friend for 20 years, you are most fortunate.
Jim is my friend for most of my life and I am truly blessed.
I did not say he “was” my friend, he is my friend and always will be, here or in heaven. Lord willing, I will meet you again.
The last paragraph says it best. Jim was the best kind of friend and person. I am blessed to have known him. Shalom
I 1st met Jim in 1995, we became good friends and workmates right away. If you look up the word Goodman in the dictionary Jim’s picture should be there! What a great write up of his life. A job well lived my friend!
This world would be a much better place life if had more guys like Jim Fincher in it!
I will see you again in heavens someday in the mean time REST IN PEACE
A beautiful tribute to my friend of six decades.
I shall miss your words of
encouragement. Pave the road for me!
Such fond memories of Jim he will be missed by everyone who was lucky to know him.
Karen and family may you find peace in the beautiful times you shared and the memories made.
Peace and Love,
So sorry for your family’s loss! Praying the Lord brings you comfort in the quiet moments and for the many happy memories to bring you peace and joy as you reflect on special times together.
Much love to you Karen and family!
We have known Jim since 1972. He was an amazing boss and a wonderful friend. He was surely selfless and a gem of a person with a heart of gold. He was a true example of humanity. We will be mourning his passing with Fincher family and celebrating the beautiful life of a loving man with a great soul.
May he rest in peace.
With our love to you, Karen and family
I’ve known Jim and Karen for several years handling some once once a year matters, and always appreciated his attention to the small details. As we talked about life in general I could see his strong faith shining through. I tried to encourage him to purchase a newer car but he said his old-beater got him to where he was headed.
Jim was a wonderful family man and a devoted husband to our friend Karen. He was always so gracious when we came to invade their house to make our cards. We will miss him.
One of the hardest things to acquire is an old friend, because it takes so long to get one. Having an old friend like Jim was truly a joy and I enjoyed every day of it and every time I heard his voice. Rest in peace, my friend. John S
Beautiful life, beautiful family, beautiful memories.
Jim was a very good brother-in-law. We had many good get togethers at our house and at his. I went to the driving range with him once. Golf (golph for those who know the game) is a very precise sport. It was Jim’s cup of tea. Precision was his habit. Jim was a very good man. It was an honor to be a part of his family.
I’ll see you later Jim,
Kermit Buchanan
He was a wonderful Uncle! I will always be able to see his big smile and hear his laugh! I loved his joke and story telling. We will miss you Uncle Jim!
Karen, We worked at the UW Chemistry together. I have fond memories from that time. I’m so sorry to learn of your beloved Husband’s passing. Much Love, Stacey