Gerald J. Finch

Born October 30, 1933, at home in Owosso, Michigan.

He spent his early childhood years in Michigan with his parents, Wilfred and Clara. He loved to tell stories from those early years. His memories of Michigan and time with extended family were sweet. He wrote three books with many of these recollections. He was the first born of three, and has two sisters, Carole and Patty.

His family moved to Arizona in 1944 where he began his love of horses. He had several horses in his preteen and early teen years of which "Sox" was his favorite. He competed in many rodeos and competitions. He also served as a YMCA camp counselor and wrangler in Prescott. One of his highlights was being the horseback riding instructor for Barry Goldwater's son at a summer riding program in Scottsdale. In 1949, Jerry met the love of his life, Lupe. He was a high school junior and she was a freshman. They met on a crowded school bus. Someone dared Lupe to sit on Jerry’s lap. She did and he never forgot it or her. Shortly after this, Jerry’s family moved back to Michigan for two years. When they returned to Arizona, Jerry went looking for Lupe and reconnected with her in the parking lot of Scottsdale High School in April 1952.

After hanging around Lupe and her Christian friends, a few of the guys took dad to a youth Bible study where Jerry received Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He was baptized years later September 1989 by his good friend and pastor, Olin Bishop.

Jerry and Lupe were married on July 14, 1954, in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho and have five children: Cathy, Geri, Tony, Davette and Dawn L. Their children were born in five different states as they crisscrossed the country during Jerry’s service in the Army. He enlisted March 26, 1953, and served until May 1964. The army sent him to Milwaukee School of Engineering, where he graduated top of his class. He was among the first computer programmers. In his words, Jerry was “proud to serve his country in this small way”.

Jerry was a man of many talents, hobbies and careers. Following his discharge from the army he started teaching at American Institute of Technology, a year later he founded Computer Training Institute and a Data Processing correspondence school. In 1970 they settled back in Phoenix where he enjoyed many entrepreneurial pursuits including jeweler, realtor, teacher, radio station general manager, TV station employee, bookstore owner, and owner of Flagstaff’s first Apple Computer store. He always enjoyed learning and teaching.

Beyond work, Jerry had many creative pursuits. He could often be found tinkering in his workshop on clocks, designing elaborate jewelry, or crafting. He was the original “up-cycler”, seeing the potential in what others were ready to discard. He liked to gift or sell his creations so others could enjoy them as well.

He carefully researched and documented family history—both in writing and through photo albums and the publication of an annual family calendar with birthdays and anniversaries. He cared about capturing life's moments, big and small, writing a near-daily blog throughout his 80s and 90s.

Jerry loved his family and was very proud to be a father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great great grandfather! He kept a photo collage up in his office for many years to show the growing family tree and pray for each family member by name. He had 5 children, 19 grandchildren, more than 40 great grandchildren, and a growing number of great great grandchildren. Perhaps his feelings towards his family are best captured by the way he signed cards, letters, and his blog: Philippians 1:3, “I thank my God every time I remember you.”

Jerry had an enduring faith in Jesus. He diligently studied the Bible, taking meticulous notes and even studied Greek at age 90, and took online classes to deepen his understanding. He and Lupe loved to serve at their churches throughout the years. They especially enjoyed serving behind the scenes in hospitality and planned many church potlucks.

He adored his wife of 68 years, who preceded him in death. He loved his Savior. Knowing someday he would pass from this earth, Jerry looked forward to being welcomed home to the presence of God by both.

A visitation will be held at Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery, 401 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257, US, on March 27, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Funeral Service from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. A Committal Service will take place there on March 27, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.