Ballston Spa, NY - James Joseph Finan, 79 of Ballston Spa released his fighting spirit into the hands of our Lord on Monday (Nov. 17, 2008). He was aided in this battle against lung cancer by his family, most significantly his loving daughter, Roseann. While Jim had not lived in the Saratoga area for long, he fell in love with this place and made many friends here. While here, he was active as a Chaplain of the Adirondack Chapter 60 of the Korean War Veterans of Glens Falls. Jim celebrated over thirty-four years of serenity as a friend of Bill W. and was an inspiration to many within that fellowship. Originally from Astoria NY, Jim was predeceased by his parents, James P. and Eleanor Finan. Jim was thrust into family responsibilities by the untimely death of his father and by his mothers illness. He worked first for Railway Express and later as a conductor for the New York City Transit Authority for 20 years. You may have ridden on the R train in safety thanks to his efforts! Learning to drive late in life, his second love after his wife Louise, was Baby, his first car, a 1973 Dodge Challenger. Once he learned to drive there was no stopping him and he often enjoyed driving his daughters out to the Hamburger ChooChoo on Long Island for lunch. Jim was an avid boxing fan, though he was a lover, not a fighter. Jim left Astoria for Milton to buy his first home with Louise, after many years in an apartment. The open space did Jim well as he loved living here and enjoyed walking on Broadway and reading at the public library. He was a member of St. Pauls Evangelical Lutheran Church and the family wishes to thank Pastor Jaekel for all his support and prayers. If there are tears for Jim, cry them because the world is just a little less kind without him in it. Do your bit to make up the difference. He leaves behind his loving sister Jacqueline, as well as his brothers Charles and William and numerous nieces and nephews, many of whom were lucky enough to sit at his bedside in these final weeks. In sadness, he leaves behind his wife Louise, daughter, Roseann Raimone (Danny) and grandson and best buddy Daniel James, as well as his daughter Jeanmarie Gebhard, (Paul) and granddaughters Hannah and Sarah. They rest comfortable in the faith that Jims suffering is no more and he has gone on to a better place. The family would like to thank the staff of A-3 of Saratoga Hospital for their wonderful care of Jim during his last days. Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 7pm Thursday (Nov. 20, 2008) and 2 to 4pm and 6:30 to 8:30pm Friday at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373). A funeral service will be held at 10am Saturday in St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 149 Lake Ave. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Peters Cemetery, West Ave. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the New Organ Fund at St. Pauls Evangelical Lutheran Church, 149 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.