James Moran Finch April 30, 1937 - June 2, 2024

James Moran Finch, 87 passed away at his home in Spanish Fork, Sunday, June 2, 2024, after a 14 year battle with Multiple Myeloma Cancer.

James was born April 30, 1937, in Leland, Utah at the old farmhouse, to George H. and Ann Moran Finch. He was the oldest of four children. he loved to play with his dog “Snoose”, exploring the farm, and playing in the Spanish Fork River. When was he was older his family moved to Spanish Fork and they lived with his grandfather Finch. He showed sheep at the Spanish Fork Junior Livestock Show when he was growing up.

He graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1955, where he was active in the F.F.A. He attended Brigham Young University and received a B.S. Degree in Agronomy in 1959. He went back to Brigham Young University and received his degree in Elementary Education in 1960 and Masters Degree in 1972. He taught school at Lehi Elementary, Rees and Mapleton. He then retired from Nebo School District in 1997.

He married Evalyn Baker in the Salt Lake Temple on April 20, 1962, and they had five children. They celebrated their 62 wedding anniversary with all their children this year.

After retirement he enjoyed farming, cattle, hunting pheasant and deer, and fishing. He enjoyed traveling around the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. He loves to visit his children and grandchildren. He loved helping his children with their steers for the livestock shows. He served his country in the Utah National Guard. He was a member of the Spanish Fork J.C’s, Young Farmers, Spanish Fork Junior Livestock Show Committee and Sons of the Utah Pioneer’s,  Squaw Peak Chapter.

James was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served in the Boy Scouts, Sunday School, Elder Quorum, Executive Secretary and as a Counselor at a BYU ward. He served with his wife in both the Provo and Payson Temple’s for ten years.

He is survived by his wife Evalyn B. Finch, daughter Jamalyn F. (Paul K. Hansen), sons, J. Evan (Michelle Hansen) Finch, Jeffrey B. (Rachel Schmutz) Finch, Jason M. Finch, and Jay B. (Jessica Stubbs) Finch. He has 23 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren with 2 on the way. He is also survived by sisters, Barbara Ann Beck, and Judy (Tom) Woodhouse, and brother-in-law Reed. W (Heidi) Baker.

He is preceded in death by his parents George H. and Ann Moran Finch, his brother Mark Edward Finch, his in-laws Arthur R and Sarah W. Baker, and brother-in-law Edward B. Beck.

His viewing will be held Friday, June 7, 2024 at the Spanish Fork 12th Ward Meeting house at 310 East, Center ST, Spanish Fork, Utah 84660, from 9:45 am to 10:45 am with the funeral to follow at 11:00 am. He will be buried at the Spanish Fork Cemetery, 420 South 400 East, Spanish Fork Utah, 84660.