My uncle’s obituary was extremely vague and neglected to mention his very supportive and loving family that has known him his entire life.

Jamer, as his family lovingly called him, grew up in Northern Minnesota in a cabin with his many brothers and sisters. The memories and stories he would talk about his pranks, not only on his parents, but his grandfather would have his audience laughing until tears fell.

He married my aunt Gloria, the love of his life, and they raised their four children together. Those memories included numerous camping and fishing trips with most of his siblings, nieces, nephews, and children. These were huge get-togethers and all of the nieces and nephews grew up knowing and loving the Finch family.  

As time went by, his siblings began to spread their wings. Jamer, Gloria, and their children moved to Colorado. Since my mother, Blondi, was the closest in distance, we would often take trips to Colorado or his family would visit in Wyoming. On one of those trips, Melanie, at the age of two, learned to ride a horse. Roger, Jamer’s first child, would often whistle his favorite bird tone and was actually the one who introduced me to rock and roll. He played the song “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” over and over again to where I thought the singer was saying “Dirty Deeds Thunder Chief”. What a good laugh that was. Monica and I were close in our childhood and she had long, beautiful hair. She loved that my mother would style it for her and I remember the buns. If Monica’s hair was longer, she would have had a beehive. Rodney followed in his father’s footsteps as a mechanic. He had curly blond hair that was difficult to get a comb through. Jamer often took refuge with his son when he was experiencing difficulties with his own personal life.

To say my uncle had only one best friend is an understatement. He made friends where ever he went. We appreciate the gentleman that assisted with his funeral costs; however, it must be made clear his siblings, children, nieces, and nephews cared about him and would call him a friend. In fact, my son adored him. They shared a common connection when it came to automobiles as well. My uncle roamed a lot and one year he came to Douglas to visit my mother. He stayed for approximately four months and I appreciated the companionship he provided to my mother. We would play cribbage for hours. My mom’s parrot would become annoyed and would fly on the table and try to attack Jamer if he got too close to the pegs. My mother provided him shelter, three meals, and laundry services. He quickly found a job as a truck driver and seemed to be happy in his situation. Unfortunately, my uncle is a nomad. He missed his son and moved back to Colorado to be near his son, shortly after leaving Wyoming.  His work ethic was something that anyone would admire.  He, alone, made sure his family and children did not go without.

His move to Minnesota surprised us. He stated he wanted off the grid and that his son, Rodney, was planning to move to Minnesota as well.  We were happy he was near Rodney because Rodney helped provide the stability in his life.  His move actually brought he and two of his sisters closer together. Phila was able to spend time with him, something she was not able to for years, and Midge, well, she was a Godsend to him. She often visited and cleaned his cabin which I believe he truly appreciated. She also made him meals and brought groceries for him. He, in turn, loved her dogs.  They would wait patiently every morning for him to take them for a walk along the river.  He did not miss a day with them or his sister while in Minnesota.  He loved her companionship as well as telling his great nephew about all of his antics as a child.  Mornings were made for Jamer and Midge.

His passing took all of those who loved him by surprise.   We are very thankful for Midge and the concern she had for him. Once he passed, she learned that the cats, which were adopted by Jamer, were abandoned in the cabin. She was able to contact the Humane Society so the cats would not suffer. If my uncle knew January 1st was his last day on earth, he would have made arrangements for them as they were loved and cared for by him.  He would be heartsick to learn his prized and precious cats were so neglected after his passing. 

This obituary is written in love by his family.  We will never forget Jamer and it feels that a chunk of our hearts is lost forever because we could not tell him goodbye.  I hope and pray this obituary is an honor to him, my uncle, the one who would bring us to tears, the one who liked to live on the edge, the one who made an effort to be a part of our lives even when he was not allowed to.  We love you uncle, and we will think of you often.  If this obituary is removed, as was the original one, I have posted it to my Facebook Page. 

Jamer is preceded in death by his parents (Clara/Jim Finch), Siblings (Albert, Sheila, Beulah, Nina, Keith, and Rhoda) and his loving daughters, Melanie and Baby Finch.

He is survived by his children (Roger, Monica, and Rodney), his numerous grandchildren, siblings (Gaylord, Blondina, Phila, and Midge), and his numerous nieces and nephews.

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