James Richard Finnelly 71, of Cass Lake MN, passed away Monday, August 2nd 2021 of heart complications.
He was born December 28th, 1949 in Duluth MN to George and Margaret “Elaine” (Talbot) Finnelly. Jim was raised and educated in Duluth, MN, graduating from Cathedral High School. Jim was a jack of all trades --dabbling in numerous jobs throughout his life time. For a large portion of his life, he enjoyed designing and installing cabinets. He was also a beloved member of the Duluth Apostolic Gospel Church where he was involved in Sunday School, youth group, and ushering for many years. Jim was also involved in boy scouts. He always would help others with any project he could --no job was too big or too small. It was rare for Jim to meet someone and not be instantly liked by them. He was charismatic, quick-witted, and very humorous with the ability to strike up a conversation with anyone he passed by. Whenever his wife and children would go anywhere, anyone who knew Jim always stopped them and asked how he was and to tell him that they miss him. With all of his years of life and work, came a lot of his knowledge. One of the best pieces of “advice” he passed on was: “If you’re going to do something right, do it right the first time.” His children knew they could always call on him, no matter the question or situation; Dad always had an answer and gave just the right advice. Jim loved to watch the Twins and Vikings no matter how good or bad they may have been that year. He also loved to fish, hunt, snowmobile, and watch his beloved birds through the window from his recliner. His grandchildren enjoyed his Donald Duck impersonation and “magically” rising hat trick. He was a great singer often singing to his children growing up and belting out whenever a good tune came on. Jim also loved to draw and was a great artist which many did not know. He was an amazing father, grandfather, husband, son, and brother; an all-around important and influential person in a lot of people’s lives. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
He is survived by his: wife of 41 years, Barbara of Cass Lake MN, his children Jarod (Olha) of Bemidji MN, Jason (Missy) of Duluth MN, Anna (Corey) Aspling of Two Harbors MN, and Katie of Cass Lake MN, grandchildren Aaron, Allison, Zander, Eritraya, Izabella and his beloved dog Bear. His siblings George (Pat) of Vancouver WA, John of Duluth MN, Mike of Duluth, MN, Mary (Bud) Birt of Faribault MN, Eileen (Tony) Kunst of Duluth, MN several nieces, nephews, and many loved friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents George and Margaret “Elaine” Finnelly, sisters Anita Miller and Barb Hirsch.
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