Passed away peacefully among family and joined his Lord and Savior on Jan. 22, 2012 at the age of 92 years. Jay was born in Denison, IA on June 17, 1919. Inspired to join the Navy in March of 1940 at the age of 21, he was proud to have served his country during WWII. Jay served 30 years in the Navy as Chief Machinist Mate earning 9 battlestars. Jay belonged to the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association and Fleet Reserve and served as the national secretary for decades. Jay has been a long time resident of Menomonee Falls and a member of Grace Ev. Lutheran Church and has served his community in many ways. Jay also worked as a maintenance supervisor for GM. Jay was preceded in death by his loving wife Inge of 57 years and his daughter Krista. He is survived by his children Julius P. Finnern, Paul (Lisa) Finnern and Heidi (Gene) Farrell. Grandfather to Rachel, Rebecca, Paul, Kristin, Kelsea, Kendall and Bennet and great-grandfather to Logan.

Visitation will be on Friday, January 27 from 3PM until time of Funeral Service at 6:30PM with Military Honors to follow at GRACE EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH; W196 N9525 Cross View Way (NEW LOCATION); Menomonee Falls.  The Fleet Reserve Association Branch 14 will conduct a 2 bell service at 6:15PM before the Service. Burial will take place on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 10AM at Pinelawn Memorial Park; 10700 W. Capitol Dr; Milwaukee. Please meet at the cemetery office.