John Elbert Finks

John E. Finks, a 79-year old resident of Oak Point, TX, died Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at Medical City Dallas. John was a classy gentleman – intelligent, kind, amusing and filled with a zest for life. He was always a very happy, positive person. What a beautiful light has gone from this world!

John was born in Dallas on September 12, 1942 to John Balie Finks and Frances Jacobs Finks. John grew up in University Park and graduated from Highland Park High School. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University in 1964. John married Elizabeth Cabaniss in August, 1964. They welcomed two children: son, Mark, and daughter, Melinda.

John began his service in the United States Army on March 17, 1965, served as a First Lieutenant in the 38th Air Born Corp, and was honorably discharged on March 16, 1967.

John began his accounting profession at Arthur Andersen and worked with them for over ten years. He started his own public accounting firm in 1977, then moved to private industry from 1981 to 1987.

John married his beloved wife, Martha Litherland Carroll, on July 25, 1987. Together, as Certified Public Accountants, they started their own tax and small business consulting firm, Finks & Carroll, P.C. They worked side by side for 35 years.

John was an avid outdoor sportsman. He began paratrooping in college and continued during his two years in the Army. In all, he logged over 100 jumps. He loved scuba diving and traveled extensively with Martha to diving spots in the Caribbean, Central America and the South Pacific. He logged over 200 dives. John loved snow skiing and took many trips to Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico enjoying the sport with friends and family.

John’s greatest love was sailing. His delight and interest in this sport began when he was a teenager, and he remained an avid sailor for over 60 years. His favorite hobby dominated his life as he was an exceptionally talented sailor and a very competitive racer. His home serves as a showcase for his many sailing trophies and awards. His favorite saying was “it’s never too anything to go sailing”.

John was a lifetime member of Dallas Corinthian Yacht Club, having joined in 1976. He was an extremely active and involved member and served in many capacities, from Treasurer, Board of Directors, Flag Offices and Commodore. He shared his love of sailing and racing with many club members and friends, recruiting and teaching both adults and children.

John loved traveling with Martha – cruising rivers in Europe and chartering sailboats all over the world. In 2006, they began spending summers in Rockport, Maine, where John continued his sailboat racing as a member of the Rockland Yacht Club. He also enjoyed competitive pistol shooting as a member, then a warden, of the Knox County Fish & Game Association.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John Balie and Frances Jacobs Finks. He is survived by his wife, Martha Carroll, his son, Mark Finks & wife Gwendy Finks, his daughter, Melinda Finks, his stepdaughter, Jennifer Carroll, his grandchildren John Graifemberg, Nicole Finks, Natalie Finks, Melissa Finks & Morgan Finks, his brother, Frank Finks & wife Janice Finks, his sister, Viva Nunnelley, and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of the life of John E. Finks will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 10:30am at the Stonebriar Funeral Home, 10375 Preston Road, Frisco, TX 75033.

Casual dress. In lieu of flowers, please give to the National Kidney Foundation or the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stonebriarfh.com for the Finks family.