Jamie Leigh Jilka

Jamie Leigh Finch Jilka, 42, of Little Rock passed away December 16, 2024. She was born March 17, 1982, in Little Rock to Nolann (Nelson) and Jack Finch. Jamie was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Thomas and Jeannette Nelson; paternal grandparents, Jack and Anna May Finch; aunt Molly Finch Van Arsdall; cousins Allen Finch and Aaron Rackley; and close friend, JD Flaherty.

Family was the most important thing to Jamie. She was a loving mother of two girls and she dedicated her life to them, nurturing their interests and talents fiercely. She did so alongside her husband, Chris. Along with their wedding day vows in 2012, they promised to be best friends forever and kept that promise. Born on St. Patrick’s Day to an Irish Catholic family, she was celebrated often and loved always by her parents, sister, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Jamie also cherished her friends. A woman who danced to the beat of her own drum, Jamie was incredibly likable and inclusive, making everyone feel seen and loved. Though not an extrovert, her wit, intelligence, and nerdiness were adored by her friends she kept for life.

Smart and creative, Jamie graduated from Mount St. Mary Academy before attending the University of Central Arkansas Honors College, where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems with her honors thesis humorously titled “Creative Destruction: Decompositions for Piano”. She was then awarded an assistantship at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where she received a Master of Business Administration and began working for IT Services. She continued working there for 20 years, most recently as a Data Integrity Specialist, though she’d probably rather be remembered for her involvement on the kickball team and winning the limbo contest.

Jamie loved music, frequently attending concerts and a talented musician herself, she was always ahead of the curve while also appreciating great music from all generations. She loved hiking and camping with her father when she was young and continued that love with her daughters. A lifelong lover of dogs, cats, and all animals, she was a fierce advocate for rescue animals.

Those left to cherish the memories of Jamie include her husband, Chris Jilka; daughters, Lily and Hayley Jilka; parents, Jack and Nolann Finch; sister, Jackie Finch; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and extended family who will miss her dearly.

A memorial service will be Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at Christ the King Catholic Church. Visitation and Rosary will be held an hour prior to the service at the church. Jamie will be interred at the Christ the King Catholic Church Columbarium following the service. To honor Jamie's memory, you may donate to the Central Arkansas Library System Foundation or the Humane Society of Pulaski County, or also by supporting your local library or animal shelter.