James "Jim" Harold Fink

In Loving Memory of James Harold Fink

August 6, 1940 – April 23, 2025

Born in Memphis, Tennessee

James Harold Fink lived a life packed with passion, purpose, and an undeniable spirit of adventure. Born on August 6, 1940, in Memphis and raised in Nashville, he graduated from Hillsborough High School and earned the rank of Eagle Scout—an early sign of the determination and character that would define his journey.

After high school, he proudly served in the United States Air Force, a stepping stone to his lifelong love of aviation. A brilliant aeronautical engineer, James worked for Pratt & Whitney jet engines and served as a flight instructor, sharing his passion and skill with others. He later became an airline captain for Delta Air Lines, where he spent years in the sky doing what he loved most—flying.

He was once even named “Governor for a Day,” a title that speaks not just to his sense of civic duty, but also to his unique life filled with extraordinary moments.

A wonderful husband to his beloved wife, Lucy, and a loving father to Michael, Christopher, and Susie, as well as a proud stepfather to Julie and Brian, James was the rock of a family that grew to include around ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was the kind of father and grandfather who showed up, stood tall, and offered wisdom with a wink and a smile.

James had a great sense of humor and was never short on great advice. A thrill-seeker by nature, he lived for the rush—whether it was motocross, racing, skydiving, hot air balloons, water skiing, or strumming his guitar to the rhythm of life. He was also a deep thinker, a voracious reader, and someone deeply engaged in politics and the world around him.

Above all, he was a man who lived—who chased the horizon, laughed loudly, loved deeply, and never shied away from the next great adventure. His legacy lives on in the stories we share, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so freely.

He will be missed way more than words can say.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held Friday, May 2, 2025 from 1:00PM-3:00PM at Buford Dam Pavilion, Cumming, Georgia.