James Merlin Finger

James Merlin Finger, 87, of Troy, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 5, 2025. He was born on October 8, 1937 in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Rawleigh and Tessie (Bettis) Finger, who preceded him in death. He was united in marriage on July 18, 1959 in Troy, Missouri to Leona Marie Twellman, who preceded him in death on December 18, 2022. Jim proudly served our country in the Unites States Army. He worked as a Aircraft Mechanic for McDonell-Douglas, now Boeing, for 42 years. After retiring, Jim worked part time at Coop and Kemper-Keim Funeral Chapel. He was a proud member of the American Legion Post 94 in Troy and enjoyed time with his friends at Veterans Coffee Talk at LCCOA in Troy. Jim and Jim Kuda together worked diligently to establish the Lincoln County Salvation Army Branch to help those who are less fortunate and/or find themselves victims of floods and fire. Jim was an active member of his church, United Methodist Men and Bible Camp. Jim was a hard worker. Even after a full day’s work, he came home and went to the fields, tending to the hogs, horses, chickens and the occasional bottle calf and Milk Cow. He loved working in his yard and large garden. Then share his bountiful harvest. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and putting puzzles together. Jim and Marie enjoyed camping when they were younger. Later in life they became Snowbirds and wintered in Florida. Jim’s favorite past time was just spending time with his family and friends. Especially if he had a fishing pole in his hands. Jim is survived by two daughters: Brenda (Jack) Gillespie of Troy and Mary Christine Surls of Troy; two brothers: Terry (Carol) Finger of Kissimmee, Florida and Pat (Linda) Finger of St. Louis, Missouri; two sisters: Juanita (Gary) Briggs of Troy and Sondra (Greg) Mischke of Steelville, Missouri; 5 grandchildren: Bridgett (Tony) Kunza, Jessica (Bridget) Gillespie, Haley (Kyle) Emerson, David (Shelby) Surls, Andrew (Caitlyn) Surls; 13 great grandchildren: Amelyia, Charlotte, Dawson, Joey (Hannah), Isabel (Aidan), Mylee, Lucy, John, Livvy Marie, Peter, Colton, Ryder and Shabree. He was also preceded in death by one infant son, a sister: Jeanette Stoeckel, sister-in-law: Vicky Finger, nephew: Eric Lindhorst and Garrett Briggs and a niece Nicole Briggs – Schaffner. Family and friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at KEMPER-KEIM Family Funeral Chapel located at 351 Monroe Street Troy, MO 63379 and from 9:00-10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025 at Old Alexandria United Methodist Church, 87 Old Alexandria Rd , Troy, Mo 63379. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025 at Old Alexandria United Methodist Church, 87 Old Alexandria Rd, Troy, MO 63379. Interment with Full Military Honors will be held following the service at Asbury Cemetery in Troy. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to American Legion Post 94 or Firelight Bible Camp in care of Kemper-Keim Family Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 222, Troy, Missouri 63379. Arrangements are under the direction of Kemper-Keim Family Funeral Chapel; 351 Monroe Street Troy, MO 63379. Online condolences may be made at www.kemperkeimfamilyfuneralchapel.com Phone 636-528-8221

James Merlin Finger

October 8, 1937 - July 5, 2025