James G. Finfinis

November 30, 1945 - October 12, 2020

James G. “Jim” Finfinis, age 74 years, of Whitehouse Station, NJ, died peacefully at Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ, on Monday, October 12, 2020.

Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, Jim had formerly lived in Lake Hiawatha, NJ prior to moving to Readington Township more than thirty years ago.

An electrical engineer by education and trade, Jim was extremely inventive and creative, and always loved to solve a good puzzle! He worked for many years both as an engineer as well as a manger with AT & T where he was well regarded by his peers.

Later he would join the field of education, teaching mathematics at Piscataway High School. It is every educator’s dream to have a true impact, and as a gifted math teacher, Jim made that a reality. With focused dedication on his students and his willingness to listen, both students and teacher were impacted for the better.

Music was also an important and influential part of his life. An amazing guitar player, he was very eclectic and could adapt to any style—from country to rock to Greek folk music—Jim loved it all. He had a particular affinity for Greek music and specifically its rhythms, theory, and organization. Jim did not just play music, he was a thoughtful composer who wrote original songs and instrumentals.

Surviving are his loving wife, Sandy; his sister and brother-in-law, Jo-Anne and Emanuel; a son, Johnathan; and many friends made wherever he went.

The guitar will gently weep for the passing of this beloved man, yet the chords he strummed will continue to echo in the hearts and souls of all those who truly loved him.

Funeral arrangements are private under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Please visit Jim’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

Memorial contributions in Jim’s honor may be made to the American Heart Association through the donation program ‘In Memory Of’. Please click HERE to be taken to his personal and secure donation page. For those who wish to mail a contribution, please do so by making a check payable to ‘In Memory Of’, noting ‘Jim Finfinis’ in the memo, and mailing to: In Memory Of, P.O. Box 5472, Charlottesville, VA 22905.

____________________________

Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”

James G. “Jim” Finfinis, age 74 years, of Whitehouse Station, NJ, died peacefully at Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ, on Monday, October 12, 2020. Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, Jim had formerly lived in Lake Hiawatha, NJ prior to moving to Readington Township more than thirty years ago. An electrical engineer byContinue Reading

See Condolences

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Finfinis and I would like to send my condolences to his family. I just thought to look him up and I was very sad to find this news. He was one of my favorite teachers at Piscataway High School. I had always enjoyed math but I truly developed a deep love for math because of him. He always taught our class with such enthusiasm. I can still see him with his pocket protector. A friend of mine and I would love to share the little saying he had like "If you walk in between the raindrops you won't get wet" or "Negative infinity is a dangerous place. You don't want to go there". I still sing the quadratic equation song from time to time. He brought in his guitar to play it for us. I'm laughing now as I write this. I'm glad I had the opportunity to have him as a teacher.

Jim Finfinis has left his mark on all who were fortunate to have crossed paths with him on his life’s journey. He had the caring soul of a teacher/mentor coupled with a empathetic heart for those who shared his interests. He lived the authentic life of walking the walk and talking the talk by living by example of how a good person is supposed to act in our world. His musical styling was the gateway through which many friends and colleagues knew him. He lived by the motto that if we help one another, we can get through anything successfully. I know that Jim loved teaching for in that part of his life he felt that he was giving back to his students the love of subject that helped him become who he was in his life. I know that his guitar may be silent now, but the songs that he created and added to touched all who would take the time to listen. No one knows the impact they make in this life, but Jim knew that if he was honest with each person with whom he encountered, he was raising the bar for others to follow. His consummate lead guitar playing added to each musical group that he was a part of, and I know the songs will never be the same without his contributions. Rest in peace my friend, I will miss our times together in the Jam Sessions. At least we had those brief shining moments to make music together while making our world a better place to be when you were here.

Rest in Peace my friend.

I was so sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. We had met several years ago through the Jam Group at the Senior Center. He was a terrific guitarist with a special ear for nuance in his playing. I, along with anyone who knew him, will miss his talent & wry sense of humor. To Sandy & all his family & friends, I send my sincerest condolences. I will keep you all in my thoughts & prayers.

I was so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Thinking of you all and sending love. May your wonderful memories of him help you get through this difficult time and know he will always be with you in your heart.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

So sorry for your loss.

Joanne. My sympathies and condolences on your loss

You are missed; but You are now in a much better place showered by God’s Mercy.

In memory of James G. Finfinis, Karolee Glassman lit a candle

I have so many wonderful memories of Jim. He will be so thoroughly missed by so many of us. I remember when Jim was the astute one, when we were singing in a jam at our house and I couldn't find my right key to sing in, & that Jim found it for me.He let me know that A Minor was my key. He was always so kind, considerate, and thoughtful. Jim was so special, and he loved his friends so much. I feel so honored to have been one of them.

Sandy...I am truly sorry to hear of Jim’s sudden death. Please know that I am keeping you, Jim, and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Sending love, Celia Argiriou

Uncle Jimmy, you are loved and missed. May your memory be eternal.

Deepest sympathy to family and friends of Jimmy. I loved him very much. Until we meet again Jim. Keep playing your music. ??

Our hearts are truly shocked and broken on the sudden news of Jimmy’s death. He was always so full of life, always eager to learn every day and was my beloved older cousin. He will never, ever be forgotten and his memory will always be eternal. Love you always...

Here's a picture of Jim taken last Christmas in his "man cave" that he loved so much. He was ever ready to pick up the guitar and entertain. He was the greatest big brother any sister could have.
attachment

Jim Finfinis leaves a legacy of music, service and friendship. He was a talented musician who not only understood the theory of music but enjoyed playing guitar with friends, encouraging others and thrilling all who had the opportunity to hear him play. He also served his neighbors by willingly serving on two community associations boards, offering steady advice and a calm demeanor to better our developing neighborhood. I have only known Jim for several years, since moving to Regency at Readington, and yet considered Jim a close friend. He was a joy to spend time with playing guitar, working for the community, or just talking. We will miss him and we offer our deepest sympathy to Sandy on his loss.

Dear Sandy and Family, I was with great sadness to have learned from Dave Berger of Jim's passing. I work at the Senior Center knew Jim through his involvement with the Guitar Jam group. He was very talented man and I know he was and always will be a very special person to the group and the Senior Center. All will dearly miss him. May you heart and soul find peace and comfort as you grieve your loss. My heartful thoughts are with you and your family.

In memory of James G. Finfinis, Rob McGeary,Esq. lit a candle

I among many will long and lovingly remember this wonderful friend; who I met when he was the very first person to attend the Hunterdon County Jam group (that I was talked into launching in the basement of a cold County Building in Flemington). I fast appreciated Jim's extraordinary focus in the pursuit of excellence playing guitar. Over the years that followed the memories accumulated for us regarding our love of music and steadfast friendship with the likes of Liz, Ray, Madi and Dave Berger; who even now are right there in heartfelt support for Jim's wife, Sandy. And while the music played by so many of Jim's friends shall continue, we remember Jim with the cadence and rhythms of his music inside us; friends, who came to know and love Jim and his unique music and extraordinary (even mind boggling) chord selections. Presuming that this message I type goes out far beyond D.J. Wright's electronic and kind forum, then I heartfully say to his very Spirit: Jim, you are much loved by so many of us and the songs from your arsenal will ring on through us (whether we want them to or not). I hope to see you with your perfectly tuned guitar again, my old and dear friend. Rob

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.