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James Paul Finley II

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James Paul Finley II, 46, of Girard, Kansas, a cherished husband, father, son, brother, and friend, was drafted into God's Kingdom on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. He entered this life on Dec. 24, 1977, in Fort Scott, Kansas, born to the union of James Paul and Carol Jean (Potter) Finley. 

Raised in Walnut, Kansas, James was a 1996 graduate of Girard High School. He furthered his education by studying Aviation Mechanics, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. On July 7, 2007, he was united in marriage with Valerie Hope Lopez at the United Methodist Church in Walnut, Kansas. Together they built a beautiful family who was the center of his world. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Walnut, Kansas, and a past member of the Walnut Wonder Workers 4-H Club. He was a skilled carpenter, who co-owned and operated J&S Construction in Girard. He built and remodeled multiple homes, businesses, and churches in the surrounding area including Living Faith Church of the Nazarene. James currently owned and operated his own Lawn Care Services in Girard and surrounding areas. He was very knowledgeable in many areas including auto mechanics, sports, craftsmanship, and grilling. James took much pride in his children and family. He enjoyed shooting guns, watching the Kansas City Chiefs, and loved the opportunity to host gatherings with family and friends. His meals will be fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure to enjoy them. James enjoyed the little things in life and took nothing for granted; he was one of a kind. He was compassionate, strong willed, had a giving spirit, and a great sense of humor. 

James is survived by his loving wife, Valerie Finley and their three children: James Paul Finley III, and his wife Destini Finley of Anderson, Missouri, Jayden Hope Finley of Girard, Kansas, and Aniston Oliva Finley of Girard, Kansas. His sisters, Jodee Lyn Valley and her husband, Gary Valley, of Girard, Kansas, and Heather Jean Short and her husband Kelly Short, of Girard, Kansas, his uncle, Robert Finley of Walnut, Kansas, and numerous nieces and nephews. James reunited later in life with Breanna and her two children. 

James is preceded in death by his parents, James Finley (Jim Finley) and Carol Finley, his niece Carol Ann Duvall, a cousin Robbie Finley, an aunt Virginia Finley, and his mother- in law Claudia Wilburn. 

James’ legacy will continue through his children and future grandchildren. James was a beacon of love and guidance for his family and his presence will be profoundly missed. 

A Celebration of Life to honor James will be held Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at 2 p.m. at his residence with a short service led by Pastor Dale Samuels, followed by food, music, and social gathering to reminisce the good ole times. Rain or shine, there will be coverage. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the James Finley Benefit Fund at Farmers Bank, at any of the four locations, for expenses for the family.