JUDGE TIMOTHY IVAN FINAN
Oct. 30, 1952-June 30, 2015
Judge Tim Finan died suddenly at home June 30, 2015.
Tim was born Oct. 30, 1952.
In 1953, his family moved to Raleigh, N.C., where he attended Broughton High School and his beloved North Carolina State.
After graduating with honors from State, Tim attended the University of North Carolina School of Law. While attending law school, Tim met and married Dianne Creech Finan, who was with him at his death.
After receiving his law degree, Tim's life was defined by service to his family, to his friends, to his community and to his country.
Tim served on active duty in the United States Air Force from 1977 through 1981. At the conclusion of his active duty, Tim remained in the Air Force Reserve through 2005.
During this time, Tim received the Legion of Merit, and was twice recognized as the Outstanding Reserve Judge Advocate in the 9th Air Force before retiring with the rank of colonel.
While serving in the Air Force, Tim was assigned to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, N.C.
After completing active duty, Tim and Dianne continued to make Goldsboro their home.
Tim practiced law in Goldsboro from 1981 until 2007, when he was appointed as a district court judge by Gov. Mike Easley.
Judicial vacancies are filled by recommendations to the governor from the district bar; the district bar votes upon nominees and the names of the three lawyers who received the highest number of votes are sent to the governor. The governor is also advised of the number of votes, which each nominee received.
When Tim's name and number of votes were submitted to the governor, the governor's office commented that it had never seen such overwhelming support for one nominee. The support and respect of Tim's fellow attorneys proved to be well-founded.
Service as a district court judge was the job Tim was born to do. Judge Finan was widely respected for his intellect, his courtesy and his judicial temperament.
Attorneys and parties recognized Judge Finan's efforts to achieve the proper outcome. His most difficult cases were those involving children, in which he struggled to find the best solutions in impossible circumstances.
In addition to his title as "judge," perhaps the most meaningful title to Tim was that of "coach." For five years, Tim coached his sons, Matthew and Patrick, and other boys in baseball, basketball and soccer at the Wayne County Boys Club. Parents always wanted Tim to coach their children.
Tim's positive leadership, encouragement and gentle guidance inspired children on and off the field. Tim's pride and joy in coaching is evidenced by the fact that until he became a judge, his license plate read "Coach Tim."
In addition to his professional career, Tim served St. Paul United Methodist Church as chairman of the pastor-parish committee, usher, Sunday school teacher and as lay leader.
In the local community, Tim served as chairman of the Wayne County chapter of the American Red Cross, past president of Goldsboro Rotary Club, a member of the board of directors of the Wayne County Health Board and a volunteer Guardian ad Litem.
Tim took a particular interest in the scholarship programs of St. Paul and the Rotary Club.
No tribute to Tim Finan would be complete without a mention of his sense of humor. Tim's wit sprang from his optimistic personality, and he could find the lighter side of almost any situation. Tim's ability to connect with people and make them laugh made him a popular friend and speaker.
Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Col. and Mrs. John J. Finan.
In addition to his wife, Dianne, and his sons, Matthew and Patrick, Tim is survived by his sisters, Polly Finan Laubinger and Jeanne Fina; brother-in-law, Tom Eshelman; nieces, Liberty Laubinger and Benares Angeley and family; nephew, Jody Eamonn and family; cousin, Ford Coley; and countless friends, who mourn his loss.
A memorial service will be held Friday, July 3, 2015, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Goldsboro, with the Rev. James H. Harry, the Rev. Tom Loftis and the Rev. Phyllis Vail officiating.
Preceding the service, the family will receive friends at the church from 9:30 a.m.
Interment with military honors will follow the service at 2:30 p.m. in Gethsemane Memorial Gardens in Zebulon, N.C.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Scholarship Fund at Goldsboro Rotary Club, P.O. Box 212, Goldsboro, N.C., 27533, or the Harrell Scholarship Fund of St. Paul United Methodist Church, 204 E. Chestnut St., Goldsboro, N.C., 27530, both of which were close to Tim's heart.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on July 2, 2015 1:49 PM