James Henry Finley, 80, peacefully reunited with his Heavenly Father, family, and friends on Wednesday, April 27, 2022. He was born November 25, 1941 in Asheville, NC to the late James and Ruth Hampton Finley.

James attended the Asheville City School system and retired from BASF, formerly American Enka. At BASF, he was a Union Steward and extended advocacy for employees and members of the community. James was a 33rd degree Mason. He was also a professional painter.  James loved music and worked as a disc jockey for WBMU (Where Black Means Unity)– FM radio station with the announcer handle of  “The Fix-It-Man.”. He loved to ride his Harley Davidson motorcycle. 

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife, Fannie Ray Finley; daughter, Virginia Finley; son, James Herbert Robinson; brother, Harold “Bo” Finley; sisters, Carolyn and Debra Finley.

Left to cherish his memory are daughters, Priscilla Ann Robinson and Janice Crooks; sons, Jonathan Crooks (Natosha), Orlando Finley and Shaun Henry; sisters, Ernestine Taylor of Las Vegas, CA, Margie Evans, Hazel Finley and Tonnie Moorman, all of Asheville, NC; several grandchildren, great-grand and great-great–grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; special cousin, Rochelle Spencer of Arizona; a life-long friend, Clarence “Bo” Morgan; other family members and friends.

Public viewing will be from 2:00-6:00 pm Saturday, April 30, 2022 in the chapel of Ray Funeral & Cremation Service. Family visitation will be 1:00 PM to 2:00 pm Sunday, May 1, 2022. The homegoing service will follow at  2:00 p.m. with Rev. James Grant officiating.

The service will be livestreamed here on the website.

The Finley family extends their gratitude for all acknowledgements received.