Jack L. Finchum

Jack L Finchum, 76, Muncie, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Tuesday, January 1, 2019, at his home with his wife and stepson by his side after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  

He was born May 5, 1942 in Muncie, Indiana, the son of James W. and Cleta B. (McKeighan) Finchum.  Jack was a 1961 graduate of Muncie Central High School. 

He served his country in the United States Army and served the City of Muncie Police Department for 30 years. During his law enforcement career, he served his community, county and state of Indiana on the drug task force for 14 years.  Jack received numerous commendations, awards, certificates of recognition, police officer of the year, police officer of the month three times and perfect score sharp shooter. He worked with the DEA, FBI, U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary, ATF, ISP Task Force, US Marshall, US Customs, IRS Intelligence, and the U.S. Secret Service.  He graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy of Narcotics and Dangerous Drug School in 1971.  He was a charter member of the Indiana Central Law Enforcement Association and member of the Fraternal Order of Police lodge 87.  Jack, along with agents Dick McCord, Master State Trooper Mike Pershing and DEA agent Mel Schebillion formed the first Indiana State Drug Task Force in the 70's.  Jack retired a sergeant from MPD in 1998.   After retiring from the force, he worked with troubled youth at the Delaware County Detention Center for 12 years before retiring in 2010.  Most of all Jack was a loving husband, father and grandfather (Papa).       

On February 11, 2015, Jack professed true saving faith in Jesus Christ and experienced a great change in his heart and life.  He felt that all his accomplishments and accolades, paled in comparison to his relationship with his Savior and what Christ did to and for him.  Jack was baptized and became a member of Edgewood Baptist Church in Anderson, Indiana on January 31, 2016. He loved Pastor Andy Lutz and the entire body of Christ.    

He is survived by his loving wife of over 39 years, Rosanna (Wood) Finchum; daughter, Jacki Harless, Muncie; stepson, Dax Norton (Kelly), Zionsville, Indiana; two special granddaughters, Trista and Charlee; mother-in-law, Sara Joan Wood, Muncie; several nieces and nephews and several "adopted" children who called him Daddy Jack and Papa Jack. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Jeena Strouse, four brothers, James, Carl, Bill, and Albert; three sisters, Peggy Luna, Janet Cooper, and Betty Slaven.

Services will be held at Edgewood Baptist Church, 3743 Nichol Ave., Anderson, IN 46011 at 12:00 (noon) on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 with Pastor Andy Lutz officiating.  Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Muncie.

Calling will be at the Edgewood Baptist Church from 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday until the time of service.  

A very special thanks to Dr Michael Williamson, Dr Anthony Tilmans, NP’s Abby and Stacy with IUBMH Cancer Center, Dr. Morgan Langhofer and Dr. Trenton Schmale with IUBMH Palliative/Hospice, Nurse Cathy with IUBMH Oncology Unit, hospice nurses Becky, Cathy, Julie, Lora, Brooke, and CNA’s Katie, Gloria and Jaclyn.  Muncie Police officers, Chris Kirby, Larry Robbins, Nathan Sloan, Seth Stanley and many others.

Memorial contributions in memory of Jack may be made to the Edgewood Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.parsonmortuary.com.

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