John Joseph Finnerty

John was a fierce warrior that never gave up. He was a second degree blackbelt and knew how to fight. He was an incredible father to his 6-year-old son Sean, 15-year-old stepson Demitri, 20-year-old step daughter Kaeli and 24-year-old daughter Ashley. He would do anything for his children. He had a love for music and taught his little man to be “Rock and Roll people”. John was a devoted husband who always put his wife Sara first.

John spent 22 years working for Engage, a company that became more his family than a job. As a System Analyst who took problem calls, he was renowned for his problem-solving skills and even more so for his ability to soothe panicked or upset customers.

Karate was one of his life passions. He furthered that passion by teaching pre-teen and teens the art of self-defense. Sensei John was respected and loved by his students.

Rock and roll was another passion. His frequent trips to the gym were always fueled by his headphones.

But his primary delights in life were his wife and their son Sean. His gym buddy noticed with wry amusement that once John had married, become a father and purchased a home, his fierce workouts became fewer and fewer. Was the Wild Thing tamed? Far from it—just re-focused on what truly matters.

John was the most caring man. His smile lit up any room he walked into. John made friends with everyone and his life showed that.

John is survived by his wife Sara Finnerty of Spokane, son Sean Finnerty of Spokane, daughter Ashley Mayle of New Mexico, step son Demitri DeArth of Spokane, step daughter Kaeli VanGrimbergen of Spokane, his mother Terry Gordon (Thurman) of Muskogee, Oklahoma, his father John Finnerty (Iva) of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, sister Jessica Holifield (Tim) of Muskogee, Oklahoma, and brother James Finnerty of Muskogee, Oklahoma. He is also survived by four nephews, Hayden Crisman, Gage Finnerty, Zane and Rowan Holifield, and one niece Leah Crisman.

John will be missed by so many.

A celebration of life was held 3 weeks prior to his passing per his wishes. He wanted to hear what people had to say while he was alive. That was his way. A party in his honor will be held however, once Covid restrictions are removed.

As for the rest of us, raise your glass and salute!