James I. "Mike" Finley

James I. “Mike” Finley, age 74, passed away Saturday, June 24, 2017 in Gulfport, MS. He was born in Gulfport, MS on June 20, 1943 to James Boyer Finley and Frances Burke Finley. He graduated from Murrah High School in Jackson in 1962, received his Bachelor’s from Mississippi State University, and his Master’s from the University of Southern Mississippi. A beloved teacher and principal along coastal Mississippi, he passionately educated and mentored for over 30 years. An avid sportsman, he found a particular love for sailing and tennis after retirement. He was a Shriner for many years and a proud Past Master of Gulfport Masonic Lodge 51. James is preceded in death by his parents; Mary Lowery Robinson; and niece, Patricia Lynn Gary. Survivors include his sons, James “Mickey” Finley (Lindsay) and Richard Finley (Andrea); grandchildren, James, Avery, Dylan, and Lucas; sister, Lynda Ann Gary; niece, Christine Maxwell; and great-niece, Sarah Hill. James is also survived by his loving companion, Karin Devendorf. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 27, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport. Interment will be held at a later date in Jackson, MS. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 3100 Samford Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71103, or the Mississippi Tennis Association, 3311 N State St, Jackson, MS 39216. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport, is in charge of arrangements.