Obituaries

B. James “Jim” Finnegan, 66, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Jan. 12, 2008, after a sudden heart attack. He was widowed in 2002, after the passing of his wife of 36 years, Merrily Helene Finnegan. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Bernard and Lynn Finnegan of Dublin; his daughter and son-in-law, Molly Finnegan and James Pollock of Sacramento; his grandson, Daniel James Finnegan; his sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Michael Mullin of Burlingame; his aunt, Ann Long of Millbrae; his partner, Terri Schofield of Sonoma; and his friends and acquaintances.
Jim was born in San Francisco in 1941 and grew up in the Richmond district. His parents were hard-working individuals who encouraged their son to succeed. Jim earned his high school diploma from George Washington High School and his bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University. He worked in the insurance industry as a claims investigator and hearing representative for Mission Insurance and El Dorado Insurance, specializing in longshore cases.
At the urging of several judges, Jim enrolled in the night program at University of San Francisco School of Law. Juggling a full-time job, school and a new baby, he graduated with honors in 1972 as a member of the McAuliffe Honor Society. He began his legal career with Kiernan & Misciagna, which later became Kiernan & Finnegan. Over the next thirty years, under his expert leadership and with the support of his wife, the firm grew into the well-respected firm of Finnegan, Marks, Hampton & Theofel. Jim was well known for having not only the best courtroom voice, but also a commanding presence and an impeccable wardrobe. After the death of his wife, Jim retired from active practice.
Jim and Merrily were active members of the Marin Yacht Club and Delta Yacht Club. During his life, Jim enjoyed salmon fishing on his boat, reading, travelling, skiing, woodworking, spending time with his friends and family and cooking, especially when he could apply the tricks he gleaned from the Food Network.
At his request, there will be no funeral services. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the American Heart Association, the SPCA or the American Cancer Society. The family will be remembering Jim at two wakes held at Steiner’s in Sonoma and Silver Clouds in San Francisco. Friends, acquaintances and associates are invited to attend. Please contact the family for details.
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Tona Cornette, 79, of Sonoma, died Dec. 22, 2007, in Sonoma. Tona is survived by cousins. She was a member and past president of the American Association of University Women in Sonoma. She was a graduate of University of California with a major in art. Tona was a Sonoma resident since 1972 and a native of Seattle, Washington.
No formal services will be held and a private inurnment at Juniper Haven Cemetary, Prineville, Ore. will be held. Cremation by Mission Cremation Service under the direction of Duggan’s Mission Chapel, 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma.
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James “Jim” Metzger passed away on January 16, 2008, at the Sonoma Valley Hospital, with wife JoAnne Connor by his side and surrounded by family and friends. Honored in 1987 as Sonoma’s Alcalde, Jim was proud of reaching the milestone age of 100 years. An active and 70-year member of the Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley, Jim was exceptionally knowledgeable about water issues in the Valley. He will be remembered lovingly for his charm, his wit, and his obvious pleasure in life. A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held on February 16, at 2 p.m., at Burlingame Hall. Donations may be made to the Sonoma Valley Hospital or the First Congregational Church of Sonoma.