James Finlen

Mr. James Michael Finlen,87 years old, of Auburn, Alabama passed away peacefully at his home on January 28, 2011. He was a former longtime resident of Birmingham and relocated with his wife and daughter, Ann, to Auburn several years ago. Mr. Finlen was best known as "Daddy", "Paw Paw", "Big Gem", and "Honest Jim." He was an avid fan of the Auburn University Tigers and Chicago Cubs. Mr. Finlen was born in Birmingham, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his parents Patrick Christopher Finlen and Louise Finlen Yonke. He was also preceded in death by his infant brother, David Lawrence Finlen. Mr. Finlen was known for his love and commitment to his family, strong work ethic, and great sense of humor. He was a retired employee of Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company, where he worked for 40 years. He was a long time member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, St. Peter's Catholic Church (Birmingham, Alabama), and St. Michael's Catholic Church (Auburn, Alabama). He was a member of the Holy Name Society. He was a proud World War II Army Air Corp veteran who served his country in the Pacific. Mr. Finlen is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia (Patty) Durick Finlen originally from Bessemer, Alabama. He is also survived by his brother Pat Finlen of Birmingham, Alabama. Mr. Finlen is survived by seven children: Trisha Finlen Bragg (Greg) of Huntsville, Alabama, Fran Finlen Stainback (Bill) of Birmingham, Alabama, Margaret Finlen Gethers (David) of Auburn, Alabama, Mike Finlen (Lori) of Mobile, Alabama, Steve Finlen (Susan) of Greenville, South Carolina, Bridget Finlen Smith (J.R.) of Auburn, Alabama, and Ann Finlen of Auburn, Alabama. Mr. Finlen is also survived by 14 wonderful grandchildren, 5 precious great-grandchildren, and numerous other family and friends. On Monday, January 31, 2011, visitation for Mr. Finlen will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church. The funeral Mass will commence at 12:00 p.m. (2061 Patton Chapel Road, Birmingham, Alabama). The funeral will be officiated by Reverend Monsignor William J. Skoneki of Auburn, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to St. Michael's Catholic Church Building Fund (1100 North College Street, Auburn, Alabama 36830), International Best Buddies- Alabama Program (Best Buddies, 300 D Street SW, Suite PH Washington, DC 20024-please designate-Auburn University Chapter), Alabama Special Olympics (880 South Court Street, Montgomery Alabama 36104, please designate Lee or Shelby County), or the charity of your choice.