John J. Finn Jr., MD, MBA

John J. Finn, Jr., MD, MBA, a highly respected physician, Navy veteran, and beloved husband, father, grandfather, passed away on March 24, 2024, at his home in Covington, Louisiana. He was born on August 2, 1939, in Deadwood, South Dakota, to John Joseph Finn, Sr. and Helen Streff Finn.

Dr. Finn is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Buquoi Finn, and his children: John J. "Jack" Finn, III (Jane), Angela Finn Caliva (Kevin), Shelly Sutton (Craig), Hollie LeBlanc (Sean), and Joseph "Tony" Cancienne. He was adored by his grandchildren: John IV, Connor (Camille), Caroline, Brendon, Casey May, Ian, Justin (Abby), Juliette, Lilly, Heidi (Gavin), Danielle, Preslie, Peyton, and Sara. His legacy extends to his great-grandchildren: Koen, Laina, Kaiden, Peter, Felicity, and Kieran. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Rita, sister-in-law, Joan, and a large extended family, including cousins, nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents as well as his siblings, Mary, Kathleen, Pat, and Tom.

Dr. Finn was a proud alumnus of The Creighton University, where he earned his MD from Creighton University School of Medicine in 1965. His dedication to serving his country led him to join the Navy, where he served as a Lieutenant Commander in the Medical Corps during the Vietnam War, working as a flight surgeon.

After his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1970, Dr. Finn began his tenure at West Jefferson Medical Center in 1971, where he devoted his talents and expertise to providing exceptional medical care to his community. His leadership and commitment to excellence led to his appointment as Chief of Staff. In 1987, Dr. Finn established The Family Doctors, a division of West Jefferson Medical Center, where, under his leadership they provided compassionate care to countless patients on the Westbank of Jefferson Parish. After retiring from West Jeff, he continued to serve his country and fellow military veterans in his position as a staff physician with the Veterans Administration.

His commitment to excellence extended beyond medicine, as evidenced by his earning an MBA from the AB Freeman School of Business at Tulane University in May of 1989. He was also a commissioned lay minister and an Advocate with the Tribunal Committee for the Diocese of Rapid City, SD for many years.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Finn was an active member of numerous professional societies, including American Academy of Family Practice, Louisiana State Medical Society, Louisiana Academy of Family Practice, and The Jefferson Parish Medical Society, serving as its president in 1984. He was deeply engaged in various committees, always striving to improve healthcare for his community.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Dr. Finn was an avid runner, participating in a multitude of marathons including the Mardi Gras Marathon, The New York City Marathon and the Boston Marathon three times. His determination and passion for life were evident in every stride he took.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 501 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington, LA 70433, followed by a Funeral Mass officiated by Fr. Dan Dashner.

Relatives and friends in South Dakota are invited to the Memorial Mass officiated by Fr. Leo Hausmann at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at St. Patrick’s Church, 141 Siever St., Lead, SD 57754.

Following Mass, Dr. Finn will be laid to rest at 1:00 PM in Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Dr. Finn may be made to Catholic Charities. Donations can be made at https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/.

Fond memories can be shared with the Finn Family at www.gracenorthshore.com.