James Patrick Finnegan (1 Dec 1947 - 17 Dec 2021)

On Jimmy's 1st Anniversary we held a two band Charity fundraiser at the Notts Club in Leicester. One of his ambitions prior to COVID was to put on two charity fundraisers one for the Emerald Centre which was a big part of his life and the other for Cancer Research UK which thanks to the then trial of Immunotherapy gave us 4 extra years with him. What a night it was everybody coming together to celebrate his memory. A huge thank you to everyone that donated or came to the event and took part in the raffle, we raised £2,200 which has been split between the Emerald Centre in Leicester and Cancer research UK. He would have said That'll Do!

The kind donations from people in Ireland - amazing amount! Thank you for all your donations towards cancer research in Jimmy’s memory.
We certainly miss him x x x

My deepest sympathies to Jimmy's family X

I met Jimmy back in 2016 when I was trying to piece together our family tree, he was full of beans so energetic and just eager to help. Jimmy helped put together so much of our family puzzle and I'm so thankful. I was saddened to hear the news of Jimmy's passing back in December as when we last spoke he was adamant of having a get together back in Ireland when the covid situation calmed down.
Thank you Jimmy, I promise I'll mind the research you trusted me with, until we meet again ❤️

Jimmy thinking about you today, Saturday, 5 March 2022, as we turn out in your home city, Cathair Leire, to say a fond fair well, to celebrate your life well lived and to send you on your way with the love of God to be buried in your beloved Éire.

Jimmy will be very sadly missed by all at Leicester Comhaltas. He gave so generously of his time, life experience skills and knowledge of Irish culture. Jimmy’s keenness to learn Gaeilge and delve into historical issues to engage us at monthly sessions was second to none. His continued encouragement of the benefits of the Leicester Comhaltas to the Irish community in Leicester gave our Committee the incentive to plan events and build the music classes. We miss you dearly Jimmy at our weekly dancing.

Leicester Comhaltas remember Jimmy with love and gratitude.

Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dhílis agus suaimhneas síoraí. May the Lord have mercy on his faithful soul and eternal peace.

Condolences to all the family for your loss of a fine man, a great friend and neighbour for over 30 years.

Jimmy will be received into Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Mere Road, Leicester, LE5 3HS on Saturday 5th March at 4pm and afterwards at the Emerald Centre, LE5 0TB. Jimmy will be received into Cortown Chapel, Kells, Co. Meath, Eire on Monday 21st March at 7.30pm. Mass on Tuesday 22nd March at 11am then buried in Kells Cemetery. Instead of flowers, please make a donation to Cancer Research UK. A memorial page has been set up to remember Jimmy. Please visit: rwfs.co.uk and click on the 'Obituaries' tab to access. Richard Ward Funeral Services Ltd. 2b Cross Street, Enderby Leicester. LE19 4NJ Tel: 0116 2866858 enderby@rwfs.co.uk

Our sincere condolences to the Finnegan family on the loss of a great character & fine man. Rest in peace Jim God bless Jim Devlin & family

Rest in peace Jim xx

Jimmy you were a great friend to my Dad Bert Blakesley. Sorry to hear of your passing

🇮🇪
Goodbye
To a unique person, a man who had presence,and a great laugh, who will be missed.
Memories of a marvelous tea maker at St Patrick's on Sunday nights, who's hopefully making tea ☕for all the Set dancer's in heaven.
🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀
🙏 Condolences to all the family, on your loss.🌹
🕯RIP Jimmy🕯
💚 Love from
Jo N x
J Novakovic:

Dear Jimmy, Uncle and friend.
What a team you and Terri made, always there for us all when we needed you. That big beaming smile on your face as you walked towards us, always asking about the family and how they were. This was closely followed by a little tip about life and how important family were. You have left a big legacy behind you, not only as a family member but also all the ancestral information you unearthed with your dogged determination to follow things through. I will miss you at family gatherings. Laraine x

Rest in peace Jimmy

Dawn,Simon & Girls xx

Jimmy so sad and shocked to hear off your passing Deepest sympathy to all your family love and respect Love Gail and family X God Bless☘️

Jimmy you were such a kind, caring man. Your trips here will be missed. You loved to call and sit outside with a big mug of tea in one hand and a cigarette in the other. You loved when you called and I was making homemade chips and stayed for dinner. When covid hit and the Westway closed you spent the summer with us sitting at the table doing your research and the kids loved the craic with you. May you rest in peace Jimmy. 🙏 ❤

Jimmy was such a very special friend. We had some wonderful times during his many visits to Ireland He always kept in touch when he was back in Leicester with very long phone calls when he wanted to know all about Kells and his so many friends here He was so interested in his family roots in Ireland and through his encyclopaedic research he discovered more relations and connected with so many. Everyone here in Kells knew him and was shocked to learn of his death. I will miss him terribly and feel Blessed to have the great memories he created and to have had him in my life. Rest in Peace dearest Jimmy

RIP Jimmy love to all the family x

RIP James, a true gentleman who will be greatly missed, we always had great meetings at the emerald and really enjoyed your company=rip

Uncle Jimmy, you were always there in our lives & we can't imagine you not being here with us any more. You were kind, generous and had a great sense of humour and always made us laugh, especially in sad times. We had some really lovely and happy times at the Emerald Centre. You had a fantastic gift for story telling which brought so much Irish history to life! We cannot put into words what you meant to us and how deeply you will always be missed. God bless and Rest In Peace Uncle Jimmy. XX