Online book of remembrance for James (Jim) Finnie

Councillor Ash Merry Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest:

"Jim's contribution to our borough will be remembered, as will Jim, for a very long time. Jim touched so many lives in his work supporting ward residents and championing the voluntary sector. Our thoughts are with Jim's family and friends.

"Thank you, Jim, for the positive difference you made in your many years of public service."

Amber Walker:

"I had the privilege of working with Jim whilst I was at Bracknell Forest Council. He was a lovely polite gentleman with a wicked sense of humour! My condolences to his family at this very sad time."

Carole:

"I knew Jim very well and I am sad to hear of his death.

"When I was teaching reception aged children at Holly Spring School I asked him if he would come to talk to the children about what it was like to be in a wheelchair and he was kind enough to come to the school. He had an easy talking manner and the children enjoyed his visit.

"I worked with him on the Patient Panel Group at Heathhill surgery and he chose me to take over as chairman when he stood down.

"He will be missed but he leaves many memories with those who knew him."

Dr George Kassianos CBE:

"In the few years that I worked with Jim I found him an amazing man, very thoughtful, and always wanting to do good.

"One of the best people I have met in my 38 years working as a GP at The Ringmead Practice but also the Bracknell Forest Primary Care Trust."

Edwin Sutton:

"Jim, I met you for the first time at a Pride of Bracknell Award Ceremony a few years ago. You sat next to me - I had a wonderful evening, listening to all your stories. Since that day you always spent the time to say 'hello' whenever we met. 

"You will be missed by many Jim but thank you for your contributions to the local community."

Debbie:

"It was always a pleasure to work with Jim when he contacted or visited our office. He was kind and respectful and was already missed. My sympathies to his family and friends."

Melanie Saville:

"Jim, I will remember you very fondly as a man who was always dedicated to the community and residents of Crowthorne. I first met you after moving to the borough, when we were both governors at Crowthorne C of E, and more recently had the privilege to work with you in your capacity as Parish Councillor in Crowthorne where I am currently the Parish Clerk. After stepping back form your councillor role in 2019 you remained a familiar face and visitor at the Morgan Centre, popping in to catch up and deliver treats!

"It has been an honour and privilege to count you as a friend and colleague. Sleep peacefully and may your legacy live on in the village in all of the projects you were so passionate about."

Carol:

"Will miss seeing him in the office and having a friendly chat. My sympathies to all the family."

Jan Hinchliffe:

"I would like to leave my sincere condolences to the family of James Finnie.

"I recall when Jim became Mayor and he visited Great Hollands Junior School, his first official school visit to officially open the new artwork on our front wall. I remember showing him around the school and introducing him to the children. His warm manner and great interest in the school and children was a testament to the man he was.

"He was a lovely caring man. Rest in peace."

Joanna Robertson:

"I shall always remember Jim with much fondness from my time spent working at Crowthorne Parish Council whilst he was a Councillor. Jim was always so kind, generous and thoughtful and often liked to treat the office staff to sweet treats.

"He always took the time to stop and ask how you were and liked to have a chat and catch-up.

"I am very saddened by his passing and offer my condolences to his family."

Guy Sutherland:

"Rest in peace Jim. You gave your all for the community, you will be sadly missed. Sincere condolences to your family, who must be so proud of your contribution."

Sue and Bill Mc:

"We first met Jim when we moved to the village in 1991. He was a true lively Scot who loved life and his wee dram. In addition to his council work he was also a Trustee of many local organisations.

"We will miss him sorely and his dry sense of humour and fun. Thank you Jim."

Alison Sanders:

"I worked with Jim throughout my 20 years as an officer at Bracknell Forest Council. He was always deeply committed to the local community, schools and the voluntary sector.

"He was passionate about his local area, Crowthorne, and, because of his personality, he knew so many people who wanted to work with him to develop his objectives.

"Alongside of this, he was also great fun, with a very mischievous sense of humour."

John Taylor:

"Although not from Crowthorne, you embodied what Crowthorne should be. As a founder of Crowthorne carnival, I was proud to take the reins and valued your support while I was the chair.

"Rest in peace Jim, you have another carnival to organise."

Mary Temperton

"Many Labour Councillors have fond memories of Jim; all agree on his strength of character and determination. He was not someone any could ignore or not notice. I only knew him for the past 9 years but always admired his determination to be independent. I enjoyed his wit and humour.

"Despite being almost at the opposite ends of the political spectrum Jim always treated me with respect and friendship. He always wanted to know what I was 'planning next'.

"He has and will be missed."

Grant and Susan Robertson, Anna and Richard, Tim and Paula, Edward, Polly, Lucy, Alice, Emily and Sophie:

"We first met Jim when he came to Crowthorne and moved into the house that Ted Earney (Sue's Dad) had built for the family in the 50's.

"The Crowthorne Carnival in 1977 was an early highlight at which Jim was Chairman and Sue was secretary and he was always very supportive of the Crowthorne community.

"Jim has always been an important, welcome and honorary member of our family, enjoying our celebrations, weddings, baptisms and other special occasions. Equally he helped comfort us in sad times.

"Jim was always a special friend, trusted, honourable and generous of nature, smart in appearance and of a cheerful disposition. In all the years we never heard him complain about anything regarding his health or life.

"He will be sadly missed but we have wonderful memories of good times spent in his company."

Sanjay Prashar:

"So sad to hear of the passing of one of Bracknell Forest's great ambassadors and community champion. Whilst our interactions were fleeting I will always remember someone with a ready smile whenever our paths crossed. Rest in Peace."

Jonathan Dance, Past President Bracknell RFC:

"Bracknell Rugby Club was deeply saddened by the news of the passing of one of their Vice Presidents and most loyal supporters.

"Jim will always be remembered as supporting the interests of the club and acting as their very effective representative in any discussions with the borough. 

"Additionally regardless of personal disability he would support the team in all weathers from the club patio, regaling everyone present with his view on the match and his beloved Scotland team. He will be much missed by all at the club."

Jane and Peter Johnson:

"Jim was our good neighbour for 23 years, always cheerful, approachable and helpful, he gave so much to his community, was highly respected, loved and will be sadly missed by many. Sincere condolences to his family."

Gerry Barber - Chairman, Bracknell Conservative Association:

"Jim was a valued member of the Association, but more importantly a well respected and valued member of the community that he served for so many years.

"He will be remembered with fondness by so many and may he now rest in peace but may never fade from so many memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends."

COATS for Crowthorne's Seniors:

"Jim had a long association with COATS (Crowthorne Old Age to Teen Society) and was for some years a Custodian Trustee. We always valued his help and guidance on the charity's discussions with Bracknell Forest Council."

Cliff and Sue Thompson:

"We have fond memories of Jim for over 20 years. He was undoubtedly a pillar of the community but no less a good friend and colleague. A particular memory for Cliff is over the years adjourning to Crowthorne British Legion after planning committee meetings to discuss various issues . Rest in Peace."

Bob and Maggie Wade:

"Jim served as a parish and borough councillor in many roles for over 40 years - during which time he was the Mayor of Borough of Bracknell Forest for 3 years and became a Freeman of the Borough in 2000.

"Maggie and I met Jim at a Christmas drinks party in the 70s, but it was only in 1997, when I became a parish and borough councillor, a really got to know him.

"Locally he was also involved in many activities including the Broadmoor Hospital Advisory Service and president of both the South Berks Scouts and the Crowthorne Carnival. He was heavily involved in the voluntary sector raising significant money for many charities. He always acknowledged the wonderful the contributions that volunteers make to the community life. He spent a great deal spent of his time helping residents both in Crowthorne and throughout Bracknell forest.

"He will be greatly missed by us all."

Claire Lewis:

"Jim was a member of Crowthorne Stroke and Disabled Club for many years. He will be remembered by the members with fondness and will be greatly missed."

Caroline Mercer:

"I had the pleasure of working with Jim for 10 years during my time at the council. He was so passionate about his role as both a borough and parish councillor and really cared about the residents - always doing his best to help.

"I really enjoyed working with Jim and will remember him for his great sense of humour. He will be missed."

Fr Guy Cole:

"When Jim entered the council chamber before a meeting, he brought laughter with him. I shall always remember his cheerfulness and his mischievous sense of fun. My condolences to Jim's family. May he rest in peace."

Gillie, Gristwood, White and Hutcheons:

"We have known Jim from the earliest times at school. We have shared the experiences of growing up, associations with Trinity Academicals Rugby Club, to starting our careers.

"Jim made his way south and we were delighted and proud that he successfully assimilated with the community at Crowthorne making his contribution. For all that, he never forgot his friends and made many an arduous journey in atrocious weather conditions at Christmas times to bring in the New Year with his friends.

"You were a character, Jim, you won't be forgotten even though your lum no longer reeks. From all your friends in Edinburgh."

Stuart McKellar:

"No doubt helped in part by our shared Scottish heritage, I always felt a strong affinity with Jim. He was generous with his praise (when he felt it was merited) and always liked a bit of banter and a laugh.

"He'll be sadly missed by many who his life touched."

Rhiann:

"Jim was a huge presence in Crowthorne whilst I was growing up and was very well respected by all who knew him. He was involved with so many areas of our lives - St John The Baptist Church, C of E School, Edgbarrow School, COATS, the Carnival each year.

"He will be remembered with fondness and I looked up to him for both his work in the community and the person that he was. Sincere condolences to his family."