James Emerson Findley
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James Emerson Findley, 56, of Warrensburg, Missouri passed away September 17, 2020 at the John Knox Village House in Lee’s Summit, Missouri surrounded by his wife and two daughters.
Mr. Findley was born February 3, 1964 in Savannah, Georgia, son of Phyllis (Tillie) Findley and the late Judge James Emory Findley. Aside from his family, Mr. Findley’s greatest devotion was to the military and his troops. He proudly served in the United States Air Force for 27 years during Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, among others. Mr. Findley retired as Chief Master Sergeant in 2009, and earned numerous commendations for his service, including 7 Meritorious Service Medals, 2 Air Force Commendation Medals, the Air Force Achievement Medal, 2 Meritorious Unit Awards, and the 2001 U.S. Air Force Europe’s Outstanding Security Forces Noncommissioned Officer Award.
He is survived by: his wife, Tammy Findley; his two daughters, Kaitlyn Findley (Darby) and Nicole Findley (Isaac); his granddaughter, Rose Findley; his mother, Tillie Findley; and his four siblings: Cheryl Hodge (Frederick), Cynthia D’Angelo, Rebecca Strickland, and Emory (Trent) Findley (Jennifer); as well as several loving nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind countless friends who he cared for deeply and loved as if they were family.
Due to the coronavirus, the burial of Mr. Findley’s cremains with military honors and the memorial service will be postponed until 2021 to allow all his family and friends to safely gather to celebrate his life in the way he deserves. For those who would like to do something now to honor his memory, his family asks that you make a donation to the Tunnels 2 Towers Foundation (https://tunnel2towers.org/) in his name in lieu of sending flowers. This organization supports the families of fallen or injured first responders and military personnel, and was near and dear to Mr. Findley’s heart.
My deepest sympathies to your entire family. I served with Jim in Germany and we remained friends ever since. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers. May God grant you peace and understanding in this time.
I just heard today of his passing. I wish you all peace and comfort and am sorry for what you are going through.
I am Allen Findley, second son of Harry and Hilda Findley. James is my first cousin.
My wife and I will be attending his memorial shortly. I have so many memories, but will share one short humorous one with you. Jim and I were trying to get some paint form the self-help store at Little Rock Air Force Base and the person who was there was not being helpful. Jim asked to speak with his supervisor and the person replied that he was the boss. Jim told him there was someone between him and the President and he wanted to speak with that person! We ended up getting the paint. I am sure Jim is shaking things up Heaven. RIP old friend
I remember when Jim first came to Grand Forks AFB, what a hoot. We had a lot of great times hunting and hanging out. One time I went to the dorm to wake him up and when I went into his dorm room, he was laying in bed asleep with a big chew of Levi Garrett in his mouth. LOL. Tammy (& family), I will miss Jim! Although we lost touch after Grand Forks, he always held a special place in my memories. “We” (John Porter, Dennis Woods, Marty Desper, Joe Kulbacki & myself) chatted via text reflecting on Jim’s antics over the years and I want you to know that we will always hold him in our hearts as a great friend. Prayers for you & your family.
Vince Ramm
We just learned of Jim’s passing! We were so shocked…he was so young! He was a customer, but just a great guy! We had many conversations, and he had just the best sense of humor. He was an incredibly patriotic person, and we respected him greatly. I’m so sorry we didn’t know sooner, and I presume his memorial has already happened (couldn’t find any information on it). Rest in peace, sir. Our sincerest condolences to his family.
Lorenz & Lisa Richter
Warrensburg, MO
I am still at loss without his mentorship and every morning words of wisdom and the “Good Mornings”. You made a huge difference in my life and I would not be where I am withouth you and God. He sent you to fulfull a purpose and you did. You helped so many, many people along the way. It is almost your one year anniversary, and I am still grieving your loss. I love you and I am blessed to have had a dad figure like yourself in my life and a Chief, in the service.