Willie Joe Finnie, Jr., Age: 80
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Dec 19, 1942---Jan 01, 2023

Willie Joe Finnie, Jr., 80, Overland Park, KS, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2023 at MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital.

 

Joe was born on December 19, 1942, in Holly Springs, MS, the son of Willie Joe Finnie, Sr.  He was raised in Memphis, TN by his paternal grandparents, Robert and Roxie Finnie, and he grew up with his cousin, Faye. Joe graduated from Lester High School in 1961, and then matriculated at Tennessee State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in History in 1965.  In December of 1966, Joe enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, which brought him to Kansas City. 

 

In 1967, Joe met Jacqueline Pla, and the two married in July of 1968.  Joe and Jackye shared 54 years of marriage and have two children ~ Julie and Jodi.

 

In 1969, Joe was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps and began a long career in retail sales and management.  Though committed to his work, Joe’s greatest joys came from spending time with family and friends and pursuing his interests.  For ­­­54 years, Joe was a faithful member of Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, where he led the ushers and served on the Vestry for many years.  Joe was an avid sports fan, loyally supporting the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas City Royals, and the Kansas University Men’s Basketball Team.

 

Joe is survived by his wife, Jackye; two children, Julie (Daniel) Harris and Jodi (Otis) Robinson; four grandchildren, Deante, Mya, Jacquelyn, and Orion; one sister, Julia Ann Wilson; a close cousin, Faye (Tony) Brown; a brother-in law, a sister-in-law, several nieces, nephews, and cousins, and many close friends.

 

The Visitation and Funeral Liturgy will be held on Monday, January 9 at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, 415 W. 13th Street, Kansas City, MO.  The Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, and the Liturgical Service will follow at 11:30 am. The Burial will occur at the Leavenworth National Cemetery on Tuesday, January 10 at 12:30 pm. 

 

The family requests that flowers and memorial contributions be sent to Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral.

 


Condolences

Cheryl Kessler Jan 05, 2023

Friend ,Fleming Island ,Florida

Joe was one of the really good ones! I have known him since the early 70's when he worked with my late husband. They became best of friends and golf buddies. Joe was with my husband when he passed away and has graced my late husband's grave with florals and an occasional golf ball regularly for over 20 years...a remarkable act of love. We love you Joe, and will miss you. Cheryl, John & Christina

Ellie DesPrez Jan 06, 2023

friend of Julie Finnie Harris and Daniel Harris ,Saint Louis ,Missouri

My love and sympathy to Julie, Daniel, Mya, and Jacquelyn on the loss of your dear father and grandfather. May his memory be a blessing to you through all the years to come.

Carmen J. Quintero Jan 06, 2023

Cathedral Friend ,Eskridge ,Kansas

Dear Jackye & Family, May you find peace with the passing of "Joe" who was really Beloved. Joe had a good circle of family, and friends. May Joe will be remembered for his many gifts and talents as well as his laughter. Joe was a warm and educated person who would guide Fellow members to a class, or activity being organized at the Cathedral. Joe was a leader who may have sat towards the back of the Cathedral although greeting all who enter during services. Prayers and condolence for all the family and we as friends take this time to say "Thank God Joe crossed our paths in this world " . Joe was our Blessing. Love, Carmen

Christina Gutmann Jan 07, 2023

Friend

Joe (I always call him “Finnie”) was my dad’s best friend before he passed in 2000. I am so incredibly grateful that I got to see Finnie in August after so many years (as I live in Germany). A true, very cherished family friend. My condolences to Jackye and the girls, and grandkids. With love, Christina, Thorsten, John and William

Rev. Minister Lana Batiste Jan 07, 2023

Friend. In. Christ ,Kansas city ,Missouri

My. Condolence. e family My short. Time to. Know Joe Finnie Jr. May the blessing of the lord walk close with the Family. Jackley and Joe are great friends. Grace. Holy Trinity Cathedral time. Was wonderful. Rest on Joe...God have. You in his arms.

Charles and Margie Wright Jan 07, 2023

Friends ,Louisville ,Kentucky

Jackye, We send you and family our sincere condolences on the passing of Willie Joe. We thank GOD for his life and many fond memories of our relationship. Our friendship began over 65 years ago living in the same neighborhood, Binghamton, and attending Lester Hi School. GOD Blessed our relationship to continue through college, adulthood and retirement. We are thankful for that gift and getting to meet and know you along the way. Joe always focused on appreciating and enjoying fellowship with family and friends by his fun loving, thoughtful, caring and supportive spirit. He will be missed but always treasured for the gift of his friendship. You and family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. May GOD bless and keep you all during the challenges of the days ahead.

Faye Brown Jan 07, 2023

1st Cousin ,Helotes ,Texas

June, as I called him was the brother I never had & I loved him more than words. Jackye, the sister I never had & I love more than words. I know the world is darker today from the loss of his light. Nothing about this is easy & it just hurts. Jackye, Julie, Jodi & family, Cry as much as you need & know you are not alone. My heart hurts for you & I grieve with you. Know you are not alone and I am here to listen anytime you want to talk. Love Always, Faye & Tony

Marquisha Lee Jan 09, 2023

Cousin ,Dallas ,Texas

Jackye, Julie, Jodie and family: I would like to give my condolences regarding the passing of June. I know this is a challenging time. The family is in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all!

Marcellus Coats Jan 10, 2023

Nephew ,Delaware ,Ohio

Family, please accept this message as words of comfort. June was a special person, his smile would light up the room and his laugh would give you joy. I pray that during this time of grief that you also remember to celebrate his life through your precious memories. If you need anything, please reachout.

Lester High Alumni Association Jan 10, 2023

High School Family ,Memphis ,Tennessee

Sending you the strength and courage you need to face the days ahead without Willie Joe, our Lester Alumnus.

Jerrica Finnie Aug 09, 2024

A grand daughter he never meet ,Memphis ,Tennessee

I never meet my daddy my condolences to him

Services

Event:
Visitation
Location:
Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral
Address:
415 W. 13th Street
City:
Kansas City
State:
Missouri
Zip Code:
64105
Date:
Jan 09, 2023
Time:
10:00 AM
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map
Event:
Funeral Service
Location:
Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral
Address:
415 W. 13th Street
City:
Kansas City
State:
Missouri
Zip Code:
64105
Date:
Jan 09, 2023
Time:
11:30 AM
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map
Event:
Interment
Location:
Leavenworth National Cemetery
Address:
150 Muncie Road
City:
Leavenworth
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66048
Date:
Jan 10, 2023
Time:
12:30 PM
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map