Obituary for James Finch
James Kip Finch, 67, of Jefferson City, MO, passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at University Hospital in Columbia, MO.
He was born on January 12, 1956, in Teaneck, NJ, to George Chester Finch and Dorothy O’Brien Finch. His life changed when he met the love of his life, Judith Anne Louis and they spent many years together before deciding to get married on December 26, 2006 in Branson, MO.
James was lovingly known as Jimmy or Kip to his close friends and family. As a child he was famous for his mischievous nature and he never lost his sense of humor. This was an attribute of his personality that made him especially likable as he grew up. He effortlessly clicked with diverse groups of people and made friends easily. Although he had a stoic demeanor, he had a knack for lightening the mood or enticing a laugh.
In addition to his other passions, he was a talented musician, playing the violin, sousaphone, and the bugle, a skill he developed during his time with the Boy Scouts of America serving as Bugle and Quarter Master. He was an accomplished student and varsity football athlete, graduating in 1974 with honors, ranking 3rd in his class and excelling academically at Smithfield High School in Rhode Island. He was proud to deliver the Salutatory speech at the graduation ceremony. He went on to study engineering at Georgia Tech and was able to gain valuable knowledge through a work study program with L & N Railroad in Tennessee.
James always had a passion for cooking but it wasn’t until he was earning his degree that he realized it was his true calling. His unfailing drive and determination pushed him to make an education and career shift to pursue culinary arts at AB Tech in North Carolina. He was an accomplished chef working in many prestigious hotels and restaurants around the country, finally settling in Missouri where he worked at several restaurants in Kansas City, the Lake of the Ozarks, and Jefferson City, including Blue Heron, Lodge of Four Seasons, and Capital Plaza Hotel. James fulfilled a lifelong dream when he and his wife opened their own catering business, Louis Finch Original Catering. In times of transition James also worked with Scholastic in Jefferson City, where he valued the friendships he developed with coworkers. This was a major change from his usual employment but he enjoyed the benefits of working for such a generous company.
James was passionate about learning and adventure throughout his life. He achieved the highest level of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America as a young man and was a member of the Restaurant Association. James was captivated by the spirit of the Vikings, and this past Christmas was gifted a long awaited copy of “The Long Ships” a book he had sought out for many years. As a result of his father’s military service, he had a particular fascination with World War II history and airplanes, especially the SR71 Black Bird. He enjoyed building model planes and had a fondness for different modes of transportation, including classic cars, particularly Corvettes. James simply loved to drive. He was known to take the long way home to extend a road trip, and felt at peace behind the wheel. His childhood love for animals extended into adulthood as he adored many pets through the years.
James cherished his experiences and adventures. He traveled to Ashville, NC, Phoenix, AZ, Las Vegas, NV, NY, and Denmark, always relishing his destination. James also enjoyed spending time with his family, taking long walks with his dogs, golfing, and swimming. Bike rides with his wife were a great way to experience nature and be more active. They made fond memories camping, just sitting by the fire listening to the crackle of the logs and embers sharing meaningful conversation, and trips to the Atlantic Ocean where the waves washed all his stresses away. He and Judy were dedicated travelers. Despite being robbed on their very first vacation, a multi-week road trip starting in Chicago, they didn’t let it hold them back. Instead they used the experience as a metaphor and saw it as a sign to always stick together and persevere through any trials their marriage might face. They lived a life emphasized by adventure and commitment to each other.
James lived his life with insurmountable strength. He overcame much hardship and broke through many barriers in his 67 years on this Earth. Even in his final moments, James was a fighter. He was a man of great moral character and an irreplaceable husband, brother, and friend. James deeply mattered to his family. His memory will be cherished and his legacy will live on in those who love him.
James is survived by his wife, Judy; his siblings, Scott Finch of Hawthorne, NY, Allison Doriss (Stuart) of Phoenix, MD, and Helen Tepfer of Stoneville, NC; and his nephews, Jack Doriss, Christopher Hopper, and Michael Tepfer.
James was preceded in death by his parents, George and Dorothy, and his stepmother, Ruth Finch.
The family will be holding private services to celebrate James’ life.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
He was born on January 12, 1956, in Teaneck, NJ, to George Chester Finch and Dorothy O’Brien Finch. His life changed when he met the love of his life, Judith Anne Louis and they spent many years together before deciding to get married on December 26, 2006 in Branson, MO.
James was lovingly known as Jimmy or Kip to his close friends and family. As a child he was famous for his mischievous nature and he never lost his sense of humor. This was an attribute of his personality that made him especially likable as he grew up. He effortlessly clicked with diverse groups of people and made friends easily. Although he had a stoic demeanor, he had a knack for lightening the mood or enticing a laugh.
In addition to his other passions, he was a talented musician, playing the violin, sousaphone, and the bugle, a skill he developed during his time with the Boy Scouts of America serving as Bugle and Quarter Master. He was an accomplished student and varsity football athlete, graduating in 1974 with honors, ranking 3rd in his class and excelling academically at Smithfield High School in Rhode Island. He was proud to deliver the Salutatory speech at the graduation ceremony. He went on to study engineering at Georgia Tech and was able to gain valuable knowledge through a work study program with L & N Railroad in Tennessee.
James always had a passion for cooking but it wasn’t until he was earning his degree that he realized it was his true calling. His unfailing drive and determination pushed him to make an education and career shift to pursue culinary arts at AB Tech in North Carolina. He was an accomplished chef working in many prestigious hotels and restaurants around the country, finally settling in Missouri where he worked at several restaurants in Kansas City, the Lake of the Ozarks, and Jefferson City, including Blue Heron, Lodge of Four Seasons, and Capital Plaza Hotel. James fulfilled a lifelong dream when he and his wife opened their own catering business, Louis Finch Original Catering. In times of transition James also worked with Scholastic in Jefferson City, where he valued the friendships he developed with coworkers. This was a major change from his usual employment but he enjoyed the benefits of working for such a generous company.
James was passionate about learning and adventure throughout his life. He achieved the highest level of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America as a young man and was a member of the Restaurant Association. James was captivated by the spirit of the Vikings, and this past Christmas was gifted a long awaited copy of “The Long Ships” a book he had sought out for many years. As a result of his father’s military service, he had a particular fascination with World War II history and airplanes, especially the SR71 Black Bird. He enjoyed building model planes and had a fondness for different modes of transportation, including classic cars, particularly Corvettes. James simply loved to drive. He was known to take the long way home to extend a road trip, and felt at peace behind the wheel. His childhood love for animals extended into adulthood as he adored many pets through the years.
James cherished his experiences and adventures. He traveled to Ashville, NC, Phoenix, AZ, Las Vegas, NV, NY, and Denmark, always relishing his destination. James also enjoyed spending time with his family, taking long walks with his dogs, golfing, and swimming. Bike rides with his wife were a great way to experience nature and be more active. They made fond memories camping, just sitting by the fire listening to the crackle of the logs and embers sharing meaningful conversation, and trips to the Atlantic Ocean where the waves washed all his stresses away. He and Judy were dedicated travelers. Despite being robbed on their very first vacation, a multi-week road trip starting in Chicago, they didn’t let it hold them back. Instead they used the experience as a metaphor and saw it as a sign to always stick together and persevere through any trials their marriage might face. They lived a life emphasized by adventure and commitment to each other.
James lived his life with insurmountable strength. He overcame much hardship and broke through many barriers in his 67 years on this Earth. Even in his final moments, James was a fighter. He was a man of great moral character and an irreplaceable husband, brother, and friend. James deeply mattered to his family. His memory will be cherished and his legacy will live on in those who love him.
James is survived by his wife, Judy; his siblings, Scott Finch of Hawthorne, NY, Allison Doriss (Stuart) of Phoenix, MD, and Helen Tepfer of Stoneville, NC; and his nephews, Jack Doriss, Christopher Hopper, and Michael Tepfer.
James was preceded in death by his parents, George and Dorothy, and his stepmother, Ruth Finch.
The family will be holding private services to celebrate James’ life.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.