James O. Finnan

James O. Finnan of Walpole, Massachusetts died peacefully in the Norwood Hospital on Thursday, May 21, 2015. Born in Kildalkey Village in Ireland, he was the son of the late James Valentine and Mary (Cashin) Finnan. When Jimmy was 3 years old, he and his family relocated to England where he was raised and educated, graduating from Saint Thomas More Secondary School. As an avid photographer, after graduation, he worked in the photography departments of various advertising agencies in England.

After moving to Stockholm, Sweden, he began working as the photographer on board cruise ships. It was while working on board the Amerikanis, that he met his wife, Mary Elizabeth Kane. Jimmy left the cruise ship industry and worked for a year at the Elbow Beach Hotel in Bermuda as the head photographer.

He came back to the United States and married his wife in Miami, Florida on May 6, 1974. They made their home initially in the Miami area, where they welcomed their oldest son Jay. In 1975, Jimmy moved his young family to Norwood, Massachusetts, where he began working to open his own company Finnan Photography. Jimmy and his family finally settled on Page Avenue in Walpole, where he was able to set up his photography studio and developing lab in his home.

Shortly after settling in Walpole, Jimmy suffered a terrible brain aneurysm, however through his strength and character, he went on to enjoy a very full life. While living in Walpole, Jimmy and his wife welcomed their second son Colin.

As a deeply religious man, Jimmy was devoted to his faith and enjoyed his great friendship with his daughter in law's mother, Cathy Svenson, that was centered around their joint spirituality.

He enjoyed following the New England Patriots and his sense of humor was terrific, always finding a way to crack a joke. Most of all, Jimmy treasured the time he spent with his family. He loved taking an active interest in both of his sons lives and opening his home to his extended family from England and Ireland, whenever they made the trip to the US.

Beloved husband of Mary Elizabeth (Kane) Finnan.
Loving father of Jay Finnan and his wife Kate of West Roxbury and Colin Finnan and his wife Laura of Norwood.
Brother of Marcella Rouse and her husband Michael of Ireland, Owen Finnan and his wife Janice of England, Liam Finnan of Ireland, Thomas Finnan of Ireland, Jenny Marshall and her husband Geoff of England.
Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather on Tuesday from 9-9:30 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Timothy's Church, Nichols Street, Norwood on Tuesday at 10AM. Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery in Walpole.