James Edward Finke of Avon Lake

James Edward Finke, 68 of Avon Lake passed away at Ames Hospice in Westlake on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012 following a two-year battle with ALS.

James was born in Cleveland on June 27, 1944 and graduated in 1962 from Fairview High School. He served with the Ohio National Guard and worked as a body shop manager for Paradise Pontiac, Jack Shaw Pontiac and Halleen Ford. He was also employed for 25 years as a driver for North Olmsted Municipal Bus line and retired in 2006 as a dispatcher.

James loved cars and in his younger years he was competitive in drag racing.

He is survived by his loving wife Sandra L. (nee Bretz); children Christopher Finke (Cindy) of Grafton and Michelle Woods (Steven) of Avon Lake; granddaughter Kelly McCurry; and brother Robert Finke. He is preceded in death by his parents Emmett W. and Elizabeth (nee Finnerty).

Friends may call at the 163 Avon Belden Road, Avon Lake from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov.  26.

Memorial contributions may be forwarded to ALS Society, 6155 Rockside Road, Suite 403, Independence, Ohio 44131 or Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44110.