James Clifford FINLIN
James Clifford Finlin
October 24, 1946 – February 26, 2026
James (Jim/JC) Clifford Finlin passed away on February 26, 2026, at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. He was 79 years old and lived a full and deeply loved life.
Jim was born in Lloydminster, Alberta to Lyle Finlin and Margaret Finlin (Miller), and was brother to Bryan Finlin and Myrna Morrish. He attended the University of Alberta and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, and a minor in fun.
Jim was the devoted husband of Janice (Giebelhaus) for 58 adventurous years; a partnership built on love and laughter. Together they raised three children – Cindy Finlin, Trina Patrick, and Jim Finlin Jr. – who were the great pride of his life.
He was a loving grandpa to seven grandchildren: Lexie Patrick, Allie Patrick, Dane Patrick, Sadie Patrick, Joshua Shepherd, Haley Finlin, and Emma Finlin. To them, he was a source of wisdom, humor, and stories…often accompanied by a signature “Jim-ism,” as he had a saying for just about every situation.
Jim will be remembered for his sound advice, strong work ethic, and unmistakable personality. He was a born salesman and built three successful businesses, worked tirelessly, and quite literally cut down a lot of trees along the way. After retiring at the age of 41, he reinvented himself as “JC” and embraced a new chapter filled with travel, fishing, hunting, and as much time with family as possible.
He had a rare gift for making friends anywhere, whether standing in line at Canadian Tire or at a swap meet in Arizona. Jim genuinely enjoyed people and conversations, and he especially treasured time spent around a good campfire at Laurier Lake, laughing, and solving the world’s problems one story at a time.
Jim was also known for his unconventional tastes – most famously his favorite snack of cheddar cheese, peanut butter, and coarse black pepper on toast. His colorful food choices perfectly captured his belief that life is meant to be enjoyed on your own terms.
Above all else, Jim loved his family. His legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the work he did, and the memories that will continue to be told for generations.
A service will be held on 13 March 2026 at 1:00 PM at Laurier Heights Community Hall (14405 85 Avenue NW, Edmonton) as a celebration of Jim’s life. Family and friends are invited to gather and share laughter and memories, just the way he would have wanted.
If friends so desire, donations in memory of Jim may be made to The Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation https://app-hsfdonation.heartandstroke.ca/?pagename=DMDonationForm&s_locale=en_CA&s_fT=cont&s_pres=hsweb&_gl=1*zy8x61*_gcl_au*MTA0NjU0NTExOC4xNzczMDg3NzQ0
Topic: Celebration of Life for Mr. Finlin
Time: Mar 13, 2026 01:00 PM Edmonton
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Condolences to the family of a cousin I didn’t get to meet but heard a lot of good things about. I was lucky enough to meet his parents and his sister Myrna and send my deepest sympathies from Ontario.
Uncle Jim was a big part of our lives for many years. So many memories we cherish such as camping, fishing, huge camp fires, breaking in horses for riding. As I got older I had such amazing conversations with him. We talked alot about the business world, politics, financial markets for many hours. Family gatherings we always made an effort to sit together and chat for hours. I will truly miss you uncle. Sending lots of love and prayers to you and your family. Love and miss you.
Shelley and Chris Zielinski ❤️
Jim was a very happy man!!
Gave everybody who knew him a joke and his laughter!
He will be missed!!
It was 40 years ago when I first met Big Jim Finlin out at our beloved Laurier Lake I was 13 at the time. It was always a fun time to be had spending time with such a great man, I learned so much from him and that carried on through the years everytime I rode up his driveway he was standing there with that famous smile ready for our conversations or plans to either fix something or take down a tree and cut some wood. Jim made a huge inpact on my life always there for advice and guidance. I will miss you Big Jim and everytime I fire up a chain saw or sit by a nice fire I will think of you and our time together. Goodbye for now