SCARBOROUGH — James “Jay” Finnigan passed away on April 22, at the Maine Veterans Home, at the “top of the morning,” — his favorite time of day.

A lifelong resident of Bangor, Jay was born on Oct. 4, 1917, to Owen J. and Madolyn T. Finnigan. Jay graduated from Bangor High School and attended Williams College in Williamstown, Mass.

Shortly after World War II broke out, Jay enlisted in the Navy. Prior to shipping off to the South Pacific, Jay married the love of his life, Mary (Dealy.) They honeymooned in Daytona Beach, Fla. After the war, they raised four children together, whom he loved dearly and was so proud of. He and Mary were married for 45 years, before her death in 1988.

Jay worked at Merchants National Bank, where he ascended to vice president. Although not an athlete, when Jay had a heart attack at the age of 56, he took up golf with great enthusiasm, even hitting a hole-in-one. He regularly played at Bangor Muni, Bucksport and Penobscot Valley Country Club, where he also served as treasurer for many years after his retirement. In retirement, Jay volunteered his talents at St. Joseph’s hospital and also delivered Meals on Wheels.

The place where he felt most at peace and spent many happy times was at his camp on Verona Island, which was built by his grandfather. He hosted many cribbage and poker parties for close friends and family. Jay was a life-long learner with a keen sense of curiosity. He had a mischievous and feisty side and liked to poke fun to get a smile out of people. He had an indomitable spirit which helped him endure. Proud of his Irish heritage, Jay was an amiable conversationalist with a quick wit. Those who truly knew Jay, knew he was a shy man, with a kind heart that was full of compassion and a deep ethical sense of justice for others.

Jay wanted to leave the world a better place, which he did for all who knew him. In addition to being predeceased by his parents; his wife, Mary; and later his wife, Barbara (Harrison); he was predeceased by his sisters, Norma Finnigan and Barbara Finnigan; and his brother, David Finnigan.

Jay is survived by his children, Mary (Mickie) Finnigan of Arlington, Mass., Peter Finnigan of Higganum, Conn., Patricia Finnigan of Portland and Timothy Finnigan of York; granddaughters, Deborah Finnigan and her husband, Don Bellunduno. of Charlotte, Vt., and Rebecca Bonawitz and her husband, Greg, of Schwenksville, Pa.; and six great-grandchildren, William, Jamie, Abigail, Joshua, Gavin and Kiera.

Jay’s family wants to express their heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional and compassionate care he received from the staff of the Maine Veterans’ Home in Scarborough and the joy and good natured sense of fun they shared with him.

To offer words of condolence to the family, sign a guest book and share memories, please visit the obituary page at www.independentdeathcare.com.