James M. Finlay

James M. Finlay of Ithaca, New York, age 59, died on July 11, 2023, of complications from heart failure while awaiting a heart transplant. He is survived by sons, P.J. and Devon, and wife, Marcie, sisters Maureen Lamb (Bob) and Mary Finlay (BJ) and his brother Ted Finlay (Heather) and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends. Jim was predeceased by his parents David C. Finlay, Sr. and Kathleen M. Finlay as well as his brother David C. Finlay, Jr. (Nancy). His humor and kindness will be missed by all who knew him.

Jim grew up in Braintree, Massachusetts and was a steadfast Boston sports fan, especially when it came to the Red Sox and the New England Patriots, throughout his life.  It gave him great joy to pass this legacy on to his sons.

He enjoyed his work with students at Cornell University (and previously Binghamton University) and especially the many co-workers who became close friends over the years. He loved to read great books, watch great movies, and spend time laughing and making wise cracks with family and friends.

Jim completed his undergraduate education at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, and earned his PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Political Science.

Memorial calling hours will be held at Bangs Funeral Home, 209 West Green Street, Ithaca, New York from 2:00-4:00 on Saturday, July 15th.  Burial will be private.

Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Tompkins Learning Partners Citizenship Program or the Finger Lakes Land Trust. More importantly, through the past several months he came to fully appreciate the importance of organ donation and would ask all who can to register as an organ donor.

Online condolences may be made to Jim’s family at www.bangsfuneralhome.com.