James R. Finch

Lt Col James R. Finch (USAF, ret.) passed away of complications related to Alzheimer's and exposure to Agent Orange on Monday, April 6, 2020. Jim was a devoted husband, father, and citizen, serving his country and his community in uniform and again after retirement. He was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church. Lt Col Finch was born to Marvin and Ruth Finch in Washington State in 1944. After graduating from Gonzaga University, he joined the Air Force in 1966. He served in a number of posts related to aircraft maintenance, sustainment, and logistics. His favorite assignment was facilitating international cooperation on the F-16 program during a posting to Brussels, Belgium. Lt Col Finch also worked to enhance the Air Force's space program. Upon his retirement, Lt Col Finch supported nuclear weapon history, safety, sustainability, and dismantlement programs at Sandia National Laboratory. Lt Col Finch was active in his faith, and loved to play bridge with the men's group from the Four Hills Village. He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, and water skiing with his family, along with tending to his garden "kingdom". His is survived by his wife Janet, daughter Robin and her husband Jon, son Jay and his wife Natasha, as well as his sister Greta Goodman, and numerous other dear family and friends. Services will be held at Faith Lutheran Church at a future date. Arrangements entrusted to: Riverside Funeral Home of Albuquerque 225 San Mateo Blvd NE (505) 764-9663