James David Finley

James David Finley (Jim) was born on June 30,1926, and died on August 7, 2022, at the ripe old age of 96. He was born in Chattanooga, TN to Ethel Mariah King Finley and Luther Glen Finley who ultimately settled in Dalton, GA.

A turning point in Jim’s life was when his father died of T.B. when he was three years old. His sister Mary Bess was raised by his mother and step-dad in Georgia, while he was sent to Cleveland,TN to be raised by his mother’s sister Mary and her husband Earl Haggard. By the age of ten, Jim could be found during the summer months at his Aunt and Uncle’s store, H.E. Haggard, General Merchandise on Inman Street, sweeping the floor, assembling toy wagons and tricycles, along with other chores.

Upon graduating from Bob Jones Academy, Jim served his country as a veteran of the army serving in both North and South Korea in the 3rd Infantry Division, by drawing maps, and being a medic during the Korean War. After the army, Jim attended Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, where he met his future wife Ve.

Jim began his teaching career after two years of college, as a teacher and principal in a three room rural schoolhouse. Upon graduating from TN Tech, Jim continued as a principal in different schools, and eventually became a school librarian at Mayfield School. His final positions were as a school administrator for the Cleveland City Schools and librarian at E.L.Ross Elementary, after obtaining his master’s degree from University of TN at Chattanooga, and a certificate from UT Knoxville in Library Science.

Jim retired in December of 1984, after 35 ½ years of being an educator.

Soon after retiring, Jim was unable to keep still, and decided the following February, to take on a second career as a Wal-Mart Associate. He worked for Wal-Mart for 30 plus years. He is remembered by his former students, the Wal-Mart shoppers who liked the way he mixed paint, and that he was willing to personally take them to whatever item that they were searching for. His ex co-workers are also sure to remember hearing his corny jokes over and over again, since he never remembered telling them.

Aside from work, Jim was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Cleveland, a devoted member of the Cleveland Masonic Lodge No.134, and a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. Jim also enjoyed a variety of hobbies, such as collecting license tags, political paraphernalia, foreign coins and many other things. Jim and his wife Ve were avid travelers and visited over 80 countries, and all of the continents, as well as all of the states in the US. In typical librarian fashion, Jim desired to see his name in print, and was able to do that through several books that he pinned about his hobbies, such as the Masonic Lodge, his license plate collection, and others. He also compiled detailed photo albums of his and his wife’s travels for his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father Luther Finley, mother Ethel DeFore, step-father, Jim Defore, sister, Mary Bess Finley Defore, half-sister Jimmie Lou Defore, and his wife of almost 67 years, Ve, who passed away just four months ago.

Survivors are his daughter Belinda Finley Swindle (Hank), son Kerry Finley, grandchildren Rachael Blakley (Andrew), Matthew Swindle, Sara Finley, Julia Finley, and Alex Finley, and great-grandchildren Caroline Blakley, Caleb Blakley, and Britton Cromer, Bentley Cromer, and Heavenly “Dee Dee” Cromer.

Visitation is being held at First Baptist Church,1275 Stuart Rd. on Thursday, August 18, 2022, from 4-6 with a Celebration Service to follow. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the First Baptist Church Building Fund.