James A. Finley | AP photographer, 76
James A. Finley, 76, an acclaimed photojournalist who served as a mentor to countless others during his 22 years as the Associated Press staff photographer in St. Louis, died Sunday of peripheral vascular disease at his home in the city.
James A. Finley, 76, an acclaimed photojournalist who served as a mentor to countless others during his 22 years as the Associated Press staff photographer in St. Louis, died Sunday of peripheral vascular disease at his home in the city.
Mr. Finley was a calming presence in the midst of the most chaotic times, from covering the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series to presidential candidates on the stump, or tragedies like the Times Beach, Mo., environmental disaster in the 1980s, the devastating flood of 1993, or the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995.
He was also known for his caring nature, such as walking across the street to give money to a homeless person or putting his arm around the victim of a tragedy.
"He was a gentleman and a gentle man whose grace and spontaneous willingness to be helpful benefited all who came in contact with him," said Hal Buell, longtime director of photography for the AP. Buell said Mr. Finley "left a legacy of kindness to all those who knew him."
Mr. Finley was born in 1940 in East St. Louis, Ill. His love of photography began at an early age when he would sneak out with his uncle's camera. He continued to take photos while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.
- AP