James K. Finney

James K Finney

Born 4-15-36 passed peacefully to see Jesus 10-29-26.

Son of Connie and Merritt W Finney, brother of MW (Walker), his wife Mickey Finney, Uncle to Beth Finney Naughtin (Tony), John (Susan) and Tom Finney, great Uncle to Quinn (Mae) and Reid Naughtin.

Longtime residents of Herrin Illinois may recall a sturdy gentleman walking the sidewalks daily with a slight limp, pocket radio to his ear, and a warm smile, he was well known as Jim/Jimmy/Jimbo Finney.

Jim lived with his loving Mother on Frederick Street for about 50 years, walking his daily route to visit the Hospital, Drug store, Firehouse and other venues, he made his home base at the Bank of Herrin where he was always treated like family.

For decades Jim was known by many along his walking route into Herrin as he turned over calendars, collected business cards, pens and local gossip which he would disburse using his favorite saying "I know something you don't know". His positive, sweet nature was contagious, like a young happy boy, he was always rewarded with kindness by caregivers and friends wherever he went.

Jim's friends included Bank of Herrin President Ed Goodwin, where they kindly provided Jim with a comfortable chair and coffee as he greeted customers with his cheerful "Hello there!" Jim once rode in Ed's convertible in a HerrinFest parade waving to the crowd, a "Mr Herrin" banner on the door.

Jim's family enjoyed visiting Herrin/Marion several times a year, especially starting in 2001 when Susan joined the visits taking tours of the countryside, visiting the Bank, lunch at Burger Nook or 17th St Grill in Murphysboro where Jim's grandparents had lived. Visits would end by dropping Jim off at Second Baptist Church where parishioners would always take care of him.

Jim's final chapter began eight years ago when he relocated up to Mukwonago Wisconsin to live near John and Susan. Susan was "his girl" and so they forged a weekly routine of Tuesday "car riding", Friday breakfast and of course Sunday church, always the highlight of Jim's week. He soon became a proud Catholic at St James where Priests and parishioners greeted him and Susan.

Jim was known to call out an enthusiastic "Hello There!" to a passing Priest, stranger or familiar face as he spread smiles, joy and happiness to brighten every room.

Jim loved Jesus Christ and looked forward to joining him in Heaven where he knew he'd be with past friends and family. He lived a full life well lived and left the world a better place and will be greatly missed by all who knew Jim Finney. Funeral service will be on Tuesday November 10, 2026 at 12:00 pm at the Van Natta Funeral Home in Herrin with Rev. Josh Wehrmeier officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday at 10:00 am until time of service with burial in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Carbondale Illinois.