James Carroll Finch, 82, of Londonderry, NH died May 24, 2012 at home with his loving family at his side. He was born April 11, 1930 in New London, Ct, the son of James Garfield and Mary Vine Finch. Jim attended New London public schools and graduated from Bulkeley School for Boys in 1948.He attended Simpson College in Iowa before joining the US Air Force and serving four years in Germany. He then enrolled in Columbia University from which he graduated in 1958 with a BS Degree in Business. He worked in the field of Human Resources for several major US companies including Monsanto, Milton Bradley, Northeast Petroleum Corp. and New Hampshire Ball Bearing. He stayed active after retirement and worked part time at Fidelity Investments, Hilton Hotels, and the Bedford Village Inn.
Jim moved to Londonderry In 1978 and served on the Budget Committee, the School Space Study Committee, was Trustee of the Trust Fund and promoted the expansion of the high school. He often dressed up as Uncle Sam on election days, standing outside the polls encouraging people to vote.
He, along with his friend, Bill Cullen, started the Londonderry Coalition for AES and helped bring tax dollars to Londonderry from the gas fired generating plant that was built near the Manchester Airport.
Jim was an avid outdoor enthusiast. He skied for 72 years, climbed the Grand Teton in Wyoming and went spelunking throughout New England with his family. He was also in many local theater productions including “Annie” at the Adams Memorial and “Music Man” at the Palace. Jim was an active communicant at St. Jude Parish in Londonderry where he served on the Strategic Planning Committee, the Parish Council and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
His greatest joy in life was time spent with his family. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Doris "Dorrie" (More) Finch of Londonderry, two daughters, Janet Marie Madison, Nancy Jeanne Turner and her husband, James of Manchester, three sons, James Carroll Finch, Jr. and his wife Denise of Amherst, Steven Christopher Finch and his wife, Donna, of North Conway, and Thomas More Finch and his wife, Debra of Candia, eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. He also leaves two sisters, Jeanne Strode and her husband, Roger of PA and Alice Flanders and her husband, William of VA.
Calling hours were held on Monday, May 28th from 4 – 7pm at the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday at St Jude Parish, 435 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry at 10:00am. The burial followed in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Londonderry. Memorial donations may be made to Saint Jude Parish, 435 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, NH 03053.