James N. Finguerra, 67, of Clearwater, FL and Port Henry, NY, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2017 at Countryside Mease Hospital in Palm Harbor, FL.
Jim was born on Nov. 4, 1949, the son of the late James E. and Marie Diamonte Finguerra in Queens, NY. He graduated from LaSalle Military Academy in Oakdale, NY in 1967 and from Long Island University at Southampton, NY in 1971, earning a BA in education and psychology. He received his Masters degree from Plattsburgh State in 1975.
In 1971 Jim began a rewarding career in education, teaching grades 3-6 throughout his many years at Beaver River Central School in Beaver Falls, NY. He also was an adjunct instructor in psychology at Jefferson Community College in Watertown, NY, for several years, teaching nights and during the summers. Jim was an Odyssey of the Mind coach; he was very proud of the fact he and his co-coach, Loretta Keys, successfully brought their team to compete at the States level.
It was at Beaver River Central School that Jim met his soulmate, Maureen Currier, of Port Henry, whom he married on July 7, 1973 at the Port Henry Methodist Church. She also was a teacher, and the two retired together in 2004, having worked with elementary children for 33 years.
Jim loved teaching in part because he formed many strong, enduring friendships with his colleagues, and also because his students admired and respected him.
After Jim retired, he and Maureen became “snowbirds”, spending the summers in NY and the winters in Clearwater, FL.
Jim enjoyed traveling with his wife, having been to many Caribbean nations, as well as to Mexico, Europe, and Canada. Cruising was his favorite form of leisure travel. Jim also enjoyed playing Lotto games both in NY and in FL. He was quite lucky!
Jim was a past member of the Elks Club, the Croghan Lions Club, and the Croghan Fire Dept.
Family and friends were also an important part of Jim’s life, and he particularly loved visits from his grandchildren.
Jim is missed dearly by his wife, Maureen, of 43 years, his daughter Jennifer of Syracuse, NY, his son Jeffrey of Camden, NJ, and grandchildren Briana (Tom) Rose, Allison Williams, Austin Cripps, Lexy Spearance, and Conner Spearance, great grandchild Phoebe Rose, mother-in-law Ginger Currier, sister Janet (Edward) Haas, brother-in law Dale (Diane) Currier, 6 nieces and 5 nephews-in-law, as well as numerous cousins. He also leaves behind his adored “fur baby”, Chico.
Predeceasing Jim were his father-in-law Donald Currier and many aunts and uncles.
Jim’s family invites all his friends to attend his celebration of a life well-lived at Mt. Moriah Presbyterian Church in Port Henry on July 14, 2017, at 11:00AM.
Donations in Jim’s name may be made to the Mt. Moriah Presbyterian Church, 19 Church St., Port Henry, NY 12974, or to an animal rescue charity of one’s choice