James Durwood Finlayson

James Durwood Finlayson, 86, of Conyers GA, husband, devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather, teacher, Korean War veteran, and a plant master who could grow anything, died peacefully on Friday November 27, 2015. One of eight children born in Perote, Alabama, Jim was known worldwide for his quiet and gentle demeanor and his wicked sense of humor. Our dad spoke more in actions than in words. A devoted spiritual man, dad spent many years helping out others. He taught school, helped with the annual barbecue at his church, delivered meals on wheels and gave his "superior" garden vegetables to any one in need or want. His devotion to his family was only overshadowed on game days of his beloved Crimson Tide. His incredible intelligence and gifted teaching challenged many students in Rockdale County not only to learn the curriculum, but to always seek knowledge in whatever they were curious about. Whenever you visited with dad, you anticipated the question "want to walk up and see the garden?” which, with a quiet smile, would begin an educational tour of plants, nature, animals, weather, neighbors, farming, world politics, and inspiration. His legacy will be remembered by his favorite things... Gardening, fishing, reading the newspaper cover to cover, a thirst for knowledge, and quiet southern evenings on the porch talking and laughing while watching the sun go down and the moon make an appearance. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Barbara, his daughters, Cathy and Donna, his son in laws Jeffrey Korotkin and Russell Parks, his brother Jack, and his favorite people in the world ...his grandchildren, Eric, Samantha, Julie, David, Kelly and great grandson, Syrus, who all brought sunshine into his life. In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Crossroads United Methodist Church, 2460 Ga Hwy 138 Conyers, Georgia 30013, 770-388-7438. Funeral services will be held Monday, November 30, 2015 at 11:00am at Crossroads United Methodist Church with Rev. Zack Martin officiating. The family will receive friends, Sunday November 29, 2015 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the funeral home. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Rd., Conyers, GA, 770-483-7216.

James Durwood Finlayson

August 12, 1929 - November 27, 2015