“To the Finnell family I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Finnell was kind and gentle man. I will always remember his passion for music and his... Read More » ”
1 of 69 | Posted by: Shannon Pence Plano, TX

“Susan, we were sad to read of the death of your husband. He was obviously a very special man who will be greatly missed. Please know we are... Read More » ”
2 of 69 | Posted by: John & Linda Bloom Bullard TX

“I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Finnell's passing. I was a former band student at Crockett Jr. High, and can still see him sitting VERY patiently... Read More » ”
3 of 69 | Posted by: Terrie West Jenkins Walker LA

“My sincere condolences to the beautiful family of Mr. Finnell. I was so honored to attend the memorial service in Holliday. Mr. Finnell inspired... Read More » ”
4 of 69 | Posted by: Penney (Childers) Moore TX

“Dear Finnell Family, We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Jerry was such a kind man who loved his family. We cherish our memories of him.... Read More » ”
5 of 69 | Posted by: Marlene & Christopher Soderstrom, Lars-Göran & Ing-Marie Erikss

“Dear Laura and Family, I want to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences. I didn't know it at the time, but after 30 years of playing in... Read More » ”
6 of 69 | Posted by: Bill Franklin Oilville VA

“Dear Susan, My husband Dan and my family want to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God's comfort be yours at this... Read More » ”
7 of 69 | Posted by: Evangeline Spencer Mercaldo NJ

“Jerry was my friend all through our school years in Holliday. I am saddened to learn he's gone but have been so blessed to read about his life. We... Read More » ”
8 of 69 | Posted by: Paula Schaefer Corbett Bryan TX

“I am sorry to hear for the loss of Jerry, but it is evident that he is now at home. God Bless the family in your time of sorrow. ”
9 of 69 | Posted by: Mark Chandler Bedford, TX

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mr. Finnell was a wonderful teacher and mentor to Jimmy and a friend to all of us. We are better people... Read More » ”
10 of 69 | Posted by: Judy and Jim, Jimmy and Jordan Asa TX

“Jerry, When I became part of this family, I thought you were a man of few words but as our friendship evolved, I was amazed to find all of the... Read More » ”
11 of 69 | Posted by: Kevin Billings Dallas, TX

“I am first off so sorry for your loss. Mr. Finnell was an incredible band director, he was such a sweet man, with such a big heart for his band... Read More » ”
12 of 69 | Posted by: Anne Contreras plano, TX

“Dear Susan: Our prayers are with you and your family. We are thankful knowing your are comforted in the knowledge that our Lord Jesus Christ has... Read More » ”
13 of 69 | Posted by: Frank & Midge Whitson TX

“I'm am deeply saddened by your loss. I was a student of Mr. Finnell when I was a freshman and sophomore at Vines High School from 2000-2002. Mr.... Read More » ”
14 of 69 | Posted by: Daniel Kiley Bloomington IN

“Dear Finnell Family, You have my deepest sympathy on your loss. Jerry was a friendly face in the band director crowd. I always pumped him for... Read More » ”
15 of 69 | Posted by: Cindy Crow Casillas

“Mr. Finnell is one of those rare individuals that inspires and motivates through quiet leadership. He was an exceptional man and as I reflect on... Read More » ”
16 of 69 | Posted by: Dee (Little) Parker Plano TX

“I first came to know Jerry Finnell when I was in the Beginners Band at Haggard Middle School in 1982. Although he was the Director at Vines High... Read More » ”
17 of 69 | Posted by: Tracy Ashberry Potts

“Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire Finnell Family. The world has lost a kind and caring man who will be deeply missed by everyone who... Read More » ”
18 of 69 | Posted by: Allison and Brett Roper

“My condolences go out to Mr Finnell's family and friends. He was such a wonderful man and band teacher. He was my teacher at Haggard Middle School... Read More » ”
19 of 69 | Posted by: Alisha LeClair Plano, TX

“I remember Jerry Finnell as a gentle, kind, and loving man. Being my wife's uncle, we met mainly at family gatherings, where he was always kind... Read More » ”
20 of 69 | Posted by: Keith Keplinger Stephenville TX

“My condolences to the family of Mr. Finnell. He was a wonderful band director that gave us all a greater apprectiation for music. He pushed me to... Read More » ”
21 of 69 | Posted by: Mark Parsons Whitehouse TX

“When I think back to my Vines High School days, I immediately think of the band hall and Mr. Finnell. Such wonderful memories! I was lucky to have... Read More » ”
22 of 69 | Posted by: Jessa Nelson Waterman Frisco TX

“Mr. Finnell will be dearly missed . May the angels rejoice as he is lifted upwards to heaven . Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at... Read More » ”
23 of 69 | Posted by: Shannon Baker

“My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Finnell family. Jerry was a man who loved his family and was extremely proud of his kids. His impact... Read More » ”
24 of 69 | Posted by: Steve Leisring Lawrence KS

“My two older children were in band with Mr. Finnell at Vines HS. I do credit him with the love of music they have to this day. He will be greatly... Read More » ”
25 of 69 | Posted by: Kim Burwinkel

“Jerry Finnell changed my life. He was my eighth grade band director at Haggard Middle School and guided me from last chair in the percussion class... Read More » ”
26 of 69 | Posted by: Wayne Owen Fort Worth TX

“Mr. Finnell is one of those teachers you never forget. He truly had a passion for music and cared for his students. He taught me an appreciation... Read More » ”
27 of 69 | Posted by: Stefanie Guck Coats

“To Susan and Family: We will keep Jerry in our prayers and thoughts during this sorrowful time. We always enjoyed Jerry's witty sayings. Wish we... Read More » ”
28 of 69 | Posted by: Charles & Susi Hobbs OK

“Reading these beautiful messages from friends, former students and colleagues is a wonderful tribute to Jerry Finnell, the gentleman and teacher.... Read More » ”
29 of 69 | Posted by: Fred Vélez, Sam Houston State University TX

“To the family of Mr. Finnell, please accept my deepest sympathies. I moved to Plano during the summer before my 10th grade year. I walked into the... Read More » ”
30 of 69 | Posted by: David Hurwich Frisco, TX

“Mr. Finnell was a true hero to me in my band days at Vines. Not only did he teach me about music, about commitment, more than anything, he taught... Read More » ”
31 of 69 | Posted by: Jana Dillon Ward

“As a colleague, I always admired Jerry's work as a Band Director. Regardless of the talent level from year to year, his concert and marching bands... Read More » ”
32 of 69 | Posted by: Jerry Thomas Plano, TX

“My deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Finnell. He had a gift for showing teenagers the dedication and time it took to be better at our... Read More » ”
33 of 69 | Posted by: Tena Geiger Worthy - student

“mr. finnel, you used to yell at me all the time!!lol, but i really do appreciate all that you taught about dicipline in my music and we had a... Read More » ”
34 of 69 | Posted by: shaun kelley plano, TX

“What a wonderful testament these messages are! Jerry was my first saxophone teacher and also my band director for two years. He taught me,... Read More » ”
35 of 69 | Posted by: David Lovrien Plano, TX

“I will always remember fondly my days as a student of Mr. Finnell's in the Vines band. I was lucky enough to become quite close and trusted by him... Read More » ”
36 of 69 | Posted by: Angela Yu Plano, TX

“Jerry was one of those friends I looked forward to seeing anytime during the year. He always had a kind word. As an educator he challenged us to... Read More » ”
37 of 69 | Posted by: John & Dessa Black

“I was lucky enough to be one of Mr. Finnell's students at Vines. I learned discipline and how to appreciate music. I thoroughly enjoyed the two... Read More » ”
38 of 69 | Posted by: Becki (Arnold) Denetz TX

“Throughout his life Dad has given unconditional love to all those around him. A man of few words, he has given his children many wonderful life... Read More » ”
39 of 69 | Posted by: Laura Leisring Norfolk VA

“To this day, our family laughs out loud at some of the stories told during band by Mr. Finnell. He definitely left his mark on many and we send... Read More » ”
40 of 69 | Posted by: Lisa Boyer Plano, TX

“I knew Mr Finnell as a former band student. He was a very gifted teacher, in the sense that he knew how to get out of you what he saw and you didn... Read More » ”
41 of 69 | Posted by: Donald B. Anderson Odessa TX

“Susan and Family, When I read the obit for Jerry today in the DMN - the words that we've often spoken to each other about Jerry were there - " a... Read More » ”
42 of 69 | Posted by: Robert and Diane Land

“I began my teaching career with Jerry and I will ALWAYS be grateful for all the things that Jerry taught me that made me a better teacher. He is... Read More » ”
43 of 69 | Posted by: Mike Stubbs McKinney

“Robert and I send our condolences to your family..Jerry was a great person . We had a lot of good times in Holliday when all our kids were growing... Read More » ”
44 of 69 | Posted by: Vicki Tucker Rio rancho NM

“I rreally love reading all the great things that others have said about Jerry in this memorial book. Isn't it interesting that we all feel the... Read More » ”
45 of 69 | Posted by: Randy Storie Midland, TX

“It was pleasure for me to play bass clarinet along side Jerry two years ago. We shared Stuart's (my son) experiences playing clarinet under mr... Read More » ”
46 of 69 | Posted by: Warren Rubin Plano, TX

“I don't know if Band Directors know this, but they do make a difference in there students lives. I was a pain in the butt in my teen age years.... Read More » ”
47 of 69 | Posted by: D. Bryan James Carrollton TX

“My condolences to the Finnell family. I remember Jerry because he was the first person in DFW I interviewed with right after graduate school. It... Read More » ”
48 of 69 | Posted by: Todd Payne Rowlett, TX

“Dear David and family, I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I only met him once, I believe, when I had dinner with you and your... Read More » ”
49 of 69 | Posted by: Natalie Neugent Hurst, TX

“My condelences go out to the entire Finnell family. I have very fond memories of Mr. Finnell from Vines and any time I pass by the school I always... Read More » ”
50 of 69 | Posted by: Cindy Lenart Dupuy

“Dear Laura, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father today. He was a brilliant teacher and a good man with one of the best "ears" for... Read More » ”
51 of 69 | Posted by: Greg Hayes Frisco, TX

“Dear Susan, Tony and I wish to convey our deepest sympathy to you and your dear family. My daughter, Alessandra Jacks Hubbell, is a close friend... Read More » ”
52 of 69 | Posted by: Marla Jacks Briggle Dallas TX

“Mr Finnell was an amazing man with a beautiful gift that he passed on to everyone he touched. You are so lucky to be able to call him dad and we... Read More » ”
53 of 69 | Posted by: Shawn E Redmon Lewisville TX

“I have nothing but fond memories of Mr. Finnell. Such a wonderful, encouraging man. My deepest condolences to his family. ”
54 of 69 | Posted by: Geri Greenberg Bishop - student

“I am sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of band and Mr. Finnell. Haggard/Vines 1975-1977.. ”
55 of 69 | Posted by: Paula Wilkins

“My thoughts and prayers to Mr. Finnell's family and loved ones. He was so kind and good. He was my band director years and years ago and really... Read More » ”
56 of 69 | Posted by: Maggie Jacobs Plano, TX

“I remember hot afternoons in the Vines High School back parking lot, practicing our marching band routines with Mr. Finnell up in the directing... Read More » ”
57 of 69 | Posted by: Eric Kristof The Colony TX

“Jerry and I worked together at Vines HS for 15 years. In fact, he WAS Vines HS, as for as I'm concerned. He was one of many fine professionals who... Read More » ”
58 of 69 | Posted by: Doyle Walker Plano, TX

“There are moments that it is still hard to imagine that you have gone home to your celebration in heaven. In the last few weeks a quote that Jesus... Read More » ”
59 of 69 | Posted by: Natalie Henry - Daughter

“It is with a profound sense of loss that I offer my condolences to the Finnell family. Jerry was a well respected colleague in the Texas band... Read More » ”
60 of 69 | Posted by: Rey Meza San Antonio TX

“Mr. Finnell will always be an important part of my life. He was a kind and fair mentor and a true musician at heart. Some of my best band memories... Read More » ”
61 of 69 | Posted by: Jason Hanifan The Colony TX

“Rest easy papa j... in that peace that passeth all understanding. You were a consummate music man, inveterate jokester, a secret dog lover (I... Read More » ”
62 of 69 | Posted by: Jenny - stepdaughter

“Jerry was a wonderful man, an incredible band director, and a great mentor. My first memory of him was when he came to our middle school band hall... Read More » ”
63 of 69 | Posted by: Jill Presley Bell TX

“I have known Jerry since I was seven years old. I had the privilege to know and respect him as a teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend. Though he... Read More » ”
64 of 69 | Posted by: Jason Tucker Allen, TX

“I will always remember Jerry's sweet smile and subtle humor and his willingness to include me with the crowd at TMEA and TBA. He was my mentor... Read More » ”
65 of 69 | Posted by: Abby Villarreal - Old friend

“I was very sad to hear of the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Jerry Finnell. Jerry was one of the first band directors that I met when I... Read More » ”
66 of 69 | Posted by: Travis Smith Plano, TX

“Jerry was an institution at Vines HS and around Plano ISD. He was quiet, and soft-spoken, but dedicated and hard-working. He gave his all to the... Read More » ”
67 of 69 | Posted by: Kathy Kuddes Plano, TX

“My deepest condolences. I'm at a very far away, beautiful place right now as I write this, and I can't help but think about the strength and... Read More » ”
68 of 69 | Posted by: Peter Rejcek Denver, MA

“Jerry was a kind and wonderful man who shared endlessly of himself with others. I knew him only for the past four years, but I feel very honored... Read More » ”
69 of 69 | Posted by: Marty Ball Plano, TX