The White Birds
William Butler Yeats
I would that we were, my beloved, white birds on the foam of the sea!
We tire of the flame of the meteor, before it can fade and flee;
And the flame of the blue star of twilight, hung low on the rim of the sky,
Has awakened in our hearts, my beloved, a sadness that may not die.
A weariness comes from those dreamers, dew-dabbled, the lily and rose;
Ah, dream not of them, my beloved, the flame of the meteor that goes,
Or the flame of the blue star that lingers hung low in the fall of the dew:
For I would we were changed to white birds on the wandering foam: I and you!
I am haunted by numberless islands, and many a Danaan shore,
Where Time would surely forget us, and Sorrow come near us no more;
Soon far from the rose and the lily, and fret of the flames would we be,
Were we only white birds, my beloved, buoyed out on the foam of the sea!

Our class reunion began a month ago, and that always brings up our Principal Hewey Tweedy and his dress code. It didn't affect me, but it was his tool of terror. I asked Jerry for some legal research, he knew Tweedy was a monster. He dug up unbeatable case law for me. I presented this to the school board, and said $15,000 was the average damages being awarded. I told them I'd enjoy their money, but just wanted them to drop it, and set my school free. They dropped it. I dropped out anyway, the retribution would have been brutal. But on behalf of the DuQuoin class of 1972, Thank You Jerry Finney.

I loved you then. I love you now. I always will. And in my heart, I know you're still with me.

It's bigger than both of us. I miss you so very much, but our love continues.

I miss you everyday Jerry. You'd be proud of what I'm going to do tomorrow, i know you're smiling down on me. I love you jerry

I know your girl Melanie misses you with all her heart and soul. She does her best and you would still admire her courage, as I believe you already did.We miss you too, and will never forget the all too brief time we shared with you. We will be forever grateful that we got to meet you. May you rest in gentle peace, friend.

God bless you, Jerry...may all those wonderful memories you made with Melanie brighten her days forever!

Today would have been your birthday. You're the first thing I think of when I wake every morning, and my last thought before I finally fall asleep at night. I miss you and the life we used to have, and I still love you with all my heart. I'm sorry so many sad things happened, but I will be forever grateful for the incredible love we shared.

Jerry was my first friend from age three as next-door-neighbors on Park Street in Du Quoin. We were friends through school and up to the early SIU days. Jerry was a lawyer before he was a lawyer. Good life Jerry.

Jerry left a wonderful, lasting impression on me in the few times we met. I'll never forget him looking around at the election watch party at the Fox News in one corner and CNN in the other and basically saying it was BS to call that balanced reporting... So we put on MSNBC and celebrated as they called the election for Obama way before fox.

Jerry was the best trivia player I've ever met. How he came up with these obscure answers was beyond me--he was simply amazing. What I loved most about Jerry was his wisdom and kindness toward animals. He was the most empathetic dog-lover, and I'll never forget how kind he was to Dave and me during Wiley's struggles. Miss you much, big man.

There were a bunch of us who grew up together who stayed close for many years, including Jerry. We knew there were some changes in his life, but for whatever reason for the last twenty years when one of us would reach out he wouldn't respond. We all feel badly about that, but will always remember the good friend we knew from earlier times.

"Jerry hung out at our house quite a bit, during his high school years. He was smart, interesting, funny, a little chip on his shoulder, but it was a friendly and fun chip. I always got a kick out of him, and always enjoyed when he was around. He was talented and unique, I liked him and I'll miss him.       Bill Appuhn    DuQuoin, Ill.

Jerry would see me in the hallways at work at DePauw, and he'd pause and look right at me (he pointed once or twice) and say, "White Sox fan," and that was it. I finally found out what he meant this past summer when we came to your house. Jerry and Melanie and my family were united in our hatred for (and pity for) the Cubs and Cub fans.

I have nothing but the highest regard and respect for Jerry. I was fortunate to serve with him on the Decatur Public School Board. Jerry was honest, straight to the point and had no time for political games. I loved his Mark Twain style of wit and mastery of the english language. One never had to wonder where he stood on an issue. He was "one of a kind" and will be missed.

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.


Michael Tarczan

INVESTIGATOR

Macon County Public Defender Office

Jerry, I love you. Thank you for teaching me the things you did. Driving, shaving, and being a man in life. I love you and mom will be taken care of. I miss you so much

I never met Mr. Finney but from hearing his wife talk about him, he must have been a wonderful man! May His soul rest in perfect peace, and may God comfort the whole family in this time of grief.

I have known Jerry for over 40 years. He was always a kind person with empathy for others. I will miss his thoughtful comments and dry sense of humor. May he be in heaven an hour before the devil knows he is gone. Rest in peace my friend.

Mr. Finney defended our teenage son many years ago. He really cared about helping us and we will forever be thankful for all he did. He was such a great legal mind, and we were so lucky to have him as our son's attorney. Deepest sympathy to all the family and we pray God will comfort you at this very sad time. Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Ferguson and Family in Decatur Il.

Death leaves a heartache
no one can heal;
Love leaves a memory no
one can steal!
Melanie, may all your beautiful memories with Jerry give you comfort!

To a great guy that will be missed greatly. We only met a few times that were way to short. I know you are looking down on us, my prayers and comfort are with Melanie and family. Angels are among us.
With love, Dinah