James Tipton Finley

Tip was born on December 30, 1946, to Jim Finley and Jane Axtel in Las Vegas, New Mexico. He grew up in Eldorado, Texas, where he was raised by his Aunt Eddy Mae and Uncle Weatherly Kinser.

He graduated from Eldorado High School in 1964, where he excelled in basketball, football, and science. In one memorable high school moment, he and friends attempted to create laughing gas in Mr. Jay’s science lab - and succeeded. Tip later went on to compete at the state level in Physics, earning first place.

After high school, Tip attended Southwest Texas State University, where he studied and spent time playing baseball, before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He served from 1966 to 1970, including 16 months in Vietnam as part of Force Recon, serving his country with distinction.

Following his service, Tip spent time traveling and working before returning to West Texas, where he worked in ranching and cowboying.

Back home in Eldorado, he attended a high school reunion - Mias Amigas - where he reconnected with a former classmate, Janee Lacy. They danced all night and talked until sunrise, sitting on the tailgate of a pickup. That night marked the beginning of a love story that would define the rest of his life.

As he and Janee began to build their life and grow their family, Tip transitioned into the oil and gas industry, beginning his career with Northern Natural Gas. This marked the start of a 32-year career in the industry.

Settling in Eldorado, Tip was a valued member of the community. He participated in civic events, served as President of both the school board and the Eldorado Golf Club. He was an avid golfer throughout his life and continued playing regularly until just three weeks before his passing.

He was also a dedicated sports fan who rarely missed a game, especially when it came to the Dallas Cowboys, Texas A&M, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Detroit Tigers.

In 1994, Tip survived a near-fatal burn injury - an event that would have slowed most, but not him. He fought his way back and continued to provide for his family.

Together, Tip and Janee built a life centered on family, hard work, and community. They raised three daughters and created a home filled with love and resilience.

Life was not without its challenges. He endured the loss of his wife in 2006. Through it all, he remained steady and maintained a positive outlook on life.

He loved his daughters, his grandchildren, his animals, and his lifelong friendships. He was a man who quietly ensured those around him were cared for.

One of the greatest gifts his family will always treasure is the time spent with him in his final days.

Tip is survived by his daughters: Lacy Finley; Summer Kelly and her husband Shane; and Ashley Guest and her husband Charles. He was a proud grandfather to Adam Jemmott and his wife Ryanne, Finley Jane Kelly, Taylor Guest, and Claire Guest.

He is also survived by his sisters, Jill Henderson and Jean Raygor; numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews; and his companion, Dianne Raska.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Janee Finley; his parents, Jim Finley and Jane Axtel; his Aunt Eddy Mae and Uncle Weatherly Kinser; and his sister, Judy Jones Spicer.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Austin, Texas, on Sunday, May 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home on Parkcrest Drive.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Tip’s honor to the Semper Fi & America’s Fund, the Flatonia Food Bank, or a favorite animal shelter.

Honorary Pallbearers: Dan Anslinger, Shane Kelly, Charles Guest, West Lacy, Adam Jemmott, and Taylor Guest.

Tip’s legacy lives on in the land he loved and the family he raised.

You were the best dad, and we were so lucky to have you.