HABERSHAM COUNTY, Ga. — Funeral services are now set for former Habersham County Sheriff James DeRay Fincher. His sudden passing on November 25 has led to an outpouring of tributes from across Northeast Georgia’s law enforcement and civic communities.
Fincher, 76, died Tuesday. A career lawman and former sheriff, he was remembered this week as a steady leader, a compassionate public servant, and a man deeply devoted to his family and community.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home in Cornelia with Rev. Kenneth McEntire officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from noon until the service hour.
A legacy of service
Born March 7, 1949, in Pine Mountain, Fincher spent his life in law enforcement. He began as a sheriff’s deputy in Harris County, later attended the 153rd Session of the FBI Academy in Quantico, and retired as a captain from the Georgia State Patrol’s Athens Post. He went on to serve as Habersham County sheriff from 2005 to 2008.
Fincher was known for his hands-on approach and his advocacy for vulnerable children. Community leaders say his greatest strength was his heart for people.
Habersham County Commission Vice-Chair Bruce Harkness said Fincher “had that old lawman theory that he was there to protect and serve,” adding that the former sheriff was always fair and often allowed trusted individuals to bond out of jail without posting money if he believed they would appear in court.
Former Sheriff Joey Terrell called Fincher “a good sheriff and Georgia State Patrolman.”
Current Sheriff Robin Krockum expressed condolences on behalf of the department, saying their thoughts and prayers are with Fincher’s family.
Cornelia Police Chief Jonathan Roberts said Fincher’s decades of dedicated service “leave a legacy that will not be forgotten.”
Outside of law enforcement, Fincher enjoyed golf, caring for his show dogs, and landscaping.
Fincher is survived by his wife of 26 years, Jill Anderson Fincher, his son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter.
