Ralph James Finerd Obituary

70 of Mesa, passed away on July 25, 2017. Ralph James Finerd (Jim), 70, of Mesa, Arizona passed away peacefully on the morning of July 25, 2017. Jim was born in Mansfield, OH on July 31, 1946, to Ralph F. Finerd and Eva Clarabelle Finerd. Jim was an only child who grew up in Tucson, Arizona where he attended Sunnyside High School, graduating in 1964.

Jim had a successful career in the construction industry where he worked for large companies such as Empire Machinery, Shamrock Foods, Neff Rentals, Schwab Sales, ECCO Equipment. He also worked on the Alaskan Pipeline, for Pinal County, City of Scottsdale, and the Town of Bellflower, just to name a few. Jim was a Diesel Theory Instructor for Mesa Community College and ASU; which was something he loved to do.

Jim was a quiet man, with a heart of gold. There were times that he would tell things just as he saw fit. He had no qualm telling someone if they looked good, or not. He was the type of man who would say "you either need to s*** or get off the pot", basically stop procrastinating, stop talking about it, just do it. Jim worked and lived for his family.

Jim started his family at a young age of 18. By the time he was 20, he had 2 children. He would work several jobs at a time to provide for his family. He was a hardworking, honest, morally ethical man who always put others before himself. He played Boogie Woogie piano and his booming bass voice was epic. He loved NASCAR and Coca Cola.

Jim was survived by his wife, of almost 53 years, LaDena, daughter Stephanie, son Ralph (Jimmy), daughter-in-law Melissa and mother-in-law Bea. Jim has 6 grandchildren, Tanner, Haley, Anthony, Courtney (deceased), Nicholas, and Zoey. Jim was cremated at Angel's Cremation and Funeral Services in Mesa, Arizona, where a small family gathering was held.

There will be no placement of his ashes. If you have any questions you may contact Stephanie at 480-518-2148.