posted 10-18-2006 06:07 PM               

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Captain John L. "Jack" Finley, USN, (ret.), 70, passed away on September 19, 2006. Capt. Finley was a 1957 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He served 25 years with the Navy, being selected for command of a Detachment, Squadron, Air Wing, Fleet Replenishment Tanker and Aircraft Carrier. He graduated from USAF Aerospace Research Pilot School and was selected as one of the original seven astronauts of the Manned Orbiting Laboratory. During his career, he earned several meritorious awards including multiple Distinguished Flying Crosses, Strike Flight Air Medals and Navy Commendation Medals for action in combat during the Viet Nam War. He also amassed well over 1000 carrier landings. Following his naval career, Finley spent 15 years with Federal Express Corporation achieving the level of Vice President Aircraft Line Operations, six years as Executive Vice President at Intrepid Aviation Partners, and two years as COO/CEO Dee Howard Aircraft Maintenance. He is survived by his two daughters, Vicky Baker of Atlanta, GA and Cindy Finley Webster; and her two sons, Nick Finley and Jake Finley of Coronado, CA; and his fiancee', Patty Kowalczyk of Bartlett, TN. At Finley's request, there will be no memorial services. These requirements will be handled at sea in the Pacific under the USN's Burial at Sea Program. Anyone desiring to make Remembrances or Donations, please do so to the charity of your choice.

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