James Joseph Finnerty, Jr.

James Joseph Finnerty, Jr., age 82, of Fairfield, Connecticut and Naples, Florida and formerly of Lincroft, New Jersey, died Sunday, September 16, 2018 at home as a result of complications of melanoma. Jim was the beloved husband of MaryJane Elizabeth Mason Finnerty, to whom he was married for 53 years. He is survived by his sons, James J. Finnerty III of Fairfield, Connecticut, and Sean L. Finnerty of Seaford, Delaware, his daughters-in law, Jennifer Stahl and Abha Gupta, and his four grandchildren - Suzanne E. Finnerty, James J. Finnerty IV ("Jamie"), Jessica D. Finnerty, and Aiden Finnerty. His sister Patricia Finnerty died in 1997. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey to James Joseph Finnerty, Sr. ("Jay") and Susan T. Finnerty ("Bunny"), Jim graduated from St. Peter's Preparatory School (1953) and St. Peter's College (1957) with a B.S. in Economics. After graduating from St. Peter's, he graduated from St. John's University School of Law in 1960. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Jim practiced law with Mendes and Mount, New York City, for approximately 40 years, specializing in aviation product liability and leading the firm's general litigation department and aviation litigation group as a firm partner. While a lawyer, he lectured on product liability law at the Royal Aeronautical Society, London, England, and the European Aerospace Risk Management seminars as well as for his clients in England, Scotland, France, Israel, Germany, and Canada. Jim was an avid sailor and successfully navigated the Long Island Sound, Sandy Hook Harbor, and New York Harbor for many years. He also enjoyed playing tennis with friends in Naples, Florida. As he grew older, Jim enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and watching them play sports, Irish step-dance, and perform theatre. Calling hours will be held at Spear Miller Funeral Home, Fairfield, Connecticut on September 19, 2018 between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Luke Church, Westport, Connecticut on the same day at 1:00 p.m. A private interment in Holy Name Cemetery, Jersey City, New Jersey will take place. Jim's family wishes to thank their friends and family and Jim's caregivers for their help during Jim's illness. In lieu of flowers, a gift in his memory to the Smilow Cancer Care Center, 5520 Park Avenue, Trumbull, Connecticut 06611 would be requested. For information or to sign an online register please visit www.spearmillerfuneralhome.com