Dr. James Sydney “Jim” Finley, III, age 69 of Ruston, LA passed away peacefully October 1, 2023 after a lengthy illness.
Jim was born October 20, 1953 in Minneapolis, MN to James and Elsie Finley but spent his entire adult life in the south. He graduated from Bolton High School in Alexandria, LA and then attended college at the University of Louisiana at Monroe where he graduated in 1975. Jim went on to study medicine at Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport, LA and earned his Doctor of Medicine in 1979.
Dr. Finley completed his residency in orthopedic surgery in 1984 at the University of Mississippi medical center in Jackson, MS. He was a practicing orthopedic surgeon in Ruston from 1986 to 2023. Dr. Finley retired from the North Louisiana Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Clinic. In his spare time, he enjoyed cooking Cajun food. Jim’s hobbies included hunting, fishing and gardening. He also enjoyed spending time with his German shepherd Zeus. Jim was preceded in death by his parents.
Jim is survived by his wife of 24 years Lil Goss Finley; three children: Beverly Finley Hassell and husband Shayne, Laura Finley Griffin and husband Michael and Jimmy Finley; two step-children: Lance Kelpe and wife Rebecca and Morgan Kelpe Northen and husband Gary; 11 grandchildren that he was a beloved Grandaddy to: Sydney, Walker, William, Violet, Johnny, Kate, Janey, Madalyn, Shelby, Mason and Thomas; and a host of other family and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jim’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to the Warriors & Quiet Waters Foundation.
At this time, no services are planned for Dr. Finley.
