James N. Finkelstein

We announce the passing of James N. Finkelstein on Saturday, July 30, 2022, peacefully in his home at the age of 70. Jim endured a long-term illness for the past several years with as much grace and humor as anyone could muster, and he departed while still living fiercely independently. Jim was born in 1952 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to Seymour and Janette (née Sapiro) Finkelstein. He is survived by his brother, Robert Finkelstein of Pennsylvania, his sister Susan Kostin of Connecticut, his nephew Andrew Kostin of New York, his niece Jessica Finkelstein of Pennsylvania, his son Benjamin and daughter-in-law Indya of Virginia, and his arch-nemesis Geoffrey the goose of Lake Loretta. Jim was a graduate of Westmont Hilltop High School (1969), the University of Pennsylvania (B.A. History, 1973) and the Duke University School of Law (J.D., 1976). Just after graduating from law school, he moved to Albany, GA, to begin his legal career. He first worked as an attorney at the Albany branch of Georgia Legal Services, an organization dedicated to providing free legal services to those with low incomes who could not afford quality legal advice. After two years, Jim launched a solo practice, continuing his life-long passion for social justice, representing the poor, and fighting for the civil rights of those who could not defend themselves. Among his many friends, the family is grateful for the incredible support from Glenn Zuern, Jim’s political-debate sparring partner and basketball buddy; Howard Stiller, Jim’s legal colleague and close friend; and Jim’s neighbors and friends Ted and Marilyn Gibson. In his forty-six years in Albany, Jim touched many lives in the courtroom, on the YMCA basketball court, while playing golf at Turner Field, Grand Island, and Stonebridge (among many other courses), teaching classes at Albany State University, and most recently by provoking spirited “discussion” on Facebook and in the Albany Herald editorial pages. Jim was involved in the local community in many ways, and took special joy in creating a peer-tutoring program in the Dougherty County School System, coaching youth sports at the YMCA, and even teaching Sunday School at Temple B’nai Israel when his son’s behavior caused the departure of the regular teacher. This continued a family tradition, as Jim’s behavior as a young man brought his father, Seymour, in as an impromptu substitute as well. Above all, however, Jim’s greatest joy was being a father. While he leaves many legacies, the one of which he was most proud was his son. Ben had the pleasure of living with Jim in Albany during the onset of the pandemic in 2020, an opportunity few adult children are afforded. Jim and Ben’s wife, Indya, became close as well, and together the three of them enjoyed walks around Lake Loretta, many episodes of TV comedies, and debates about politics whenever it couldn’t be avoided (which was most of the time). Jim didn’t want a memorial service, instead requesting any funds for such a service be donated to a charity, preferably one related to educating the indigent. However, like Jim, we are strongly independent, and his family and friends will gather to remember him at Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Home on Thursday, August 4th at 11am.

James N. Finkelstein

May 4, 1952 - July 30, 2022