James Woodfin Finley, Sr.

James Woodfin Finley Sr., 92, of Nanjemoy, Maryland, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, at Hospice of Charles County in Waldorf, Maryland, while holding the hand of his beloved wife and surrounded by family.

Born on November 29, 1933, in Hickory, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Delia Costa Finley and Sprague O’hern Finley. He spent most of his life in Nanjemoy, Maryland, where he built a life rooted in family, hard work, and the simple joys he loved.

James was preceded in death by his brothers Louis Finley, Richard Finley, and Joseph Finley, and his sisters Margaret Rodgers, Lilly Hodges, Jeanette Winters, and Sue Collins.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Virginia K. Finley; his brother Kenneth Finley; and his sister-in-law Anne Finley of Chaptico, Maryland. He is also survived by his children James Woodfin Finley Jr. and his wife Eleanor, and Robert Alan Finley and his wife Lori.

He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren Jamey Finley, Tricia Finley (wife of Jamey Finley), and Michael Finley who brought him great pride and joy.  Also Lisa Simmons and Michelle Haley who lovingly called him Pop Pop.

James was a man who loved animals, the outdoors and the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, feeding the birds, and spending time with his dog Buster and the many cats that wandered into his life over the years. He was an avid NASCAR fan and faithfully cheered on the Washington Redskins and the Washington Nationals. One of his favorite pastimes was watching baseball games with his grandson Michael.

Known by the nickname “Sticks,” which he earned from his love of playing pool, James was also known for his curiosity and his knack for tinkering with just about anything he could get his hands on. He especially loved treasure hunting for old bottles, collecting boxes and boxes over the years. Many of those bottles even became meaningful centerpieces at his grandson Jamey’s wedding.

James was a hardworking man throughout his life. He began his career as a land surveyor and later worked as a dump truck driver for C.K. Rye. He eventually found his true calling in carpentry, first working with CKS Construction and later alongside his oldest son at Finley Construction, where he continued working until retiring at the age of 78.

James was also a proud United States Army veteran who served during the Korean War. In honor of his service, he will be laid to rest at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery.

Above all, James will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose steady presence, strong work ethic, and quiet love for his family shaped the lives of those who knew him.
 

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until time of prayer service at 7:00 p.m., which will be officiated by the pastor alongside his nephew, Chester Willett.

Pallbearers will be Jamey Finley, Michael Finley, Tom Simmons, Greg Finley, Chester Willett, and Michael Millar.

Interment will take place on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with honors for his service as a United States Army veteran of the Korean War.  Those wishing to attend should arrive at the cemetery at 12:45 p.m.

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