James Benjamin Finnegan Jr.

Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 19, in March 1942 just after the start of WWII. He worked on multiple Destroyers as a Machinist Mate I until his Honorable Discharge in Jan. 1948. He was very proud of his military service and stayed in contact with his fellow shipmates from the USS Gwin.

Upon returning from the war, he proposed to the love of his life Elaine Marie Makielski and they were married on May 7, 1949, in Chicago IL. They made the move to CA in 1963. Jim and Elaine have five children and seven grandchildren. They celebrated 68 years of marriage in 2017.

Jim loved to tinker in the garage and create his woodworking projects. We will always cherish his handiwork with wood and needlework. After his retirement he found a pastime in working with counted cross-stitch designs. He proudly displayed his work at the Orange County Fair and received honorable mentions for his wonderful talents.

After making the move to Northern CA, he began his docent service at the California State Railroad Museum, in Sacramento, where he developed good friendships, including the Monday Mafia Three! He enjoyed his volunteer time and loved sharing his knowledge of the U.S. Mail Car. Do you know where the ZIP Code came from?

Jim was a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend. We will truly miss his stories and jokes that helped to brighten anyone’s day.

We will always love you and you are forever in our hearts!

Memorial contributions may be made to the California State Railroad Museum Sacramento Foundation (CSRMS Foundation). Please note on the check "Railway Post Office Car #42."