10.23.2009 5:13 pm
AP photographer James Finley inducted into Hall of Fame
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
- Former St. Louis Post-Dispatch photographers Odell Mitchell Jr. and Wayne Crosslin remind James Finley that he will need to give a speech during his induction into the Missouri Photojournalism Hall of Fame.
Long-time Associated Press photographer, James A. Finley was inducted into the Missouri Photojournalism Hall of Fame in a 2009 class that also included Bill Eppridge of National Geographic/Life Magazine/Sports Illustrated and Ival Lawhon Jr. of the St. Joseph News Press.
Finley worked for over 25 years in the St. Louis AP bureau and retired in 2006. He continues to live in St. Louis but travels often to visit friends and family across the country.
The Missouri Photojournalism Hall of Fame is located in Washington, Mo. Additional details about the hall of fame can be found at their website.
View a video of James A. Finley’s induction speech below video
If the video player fails to load, you can view the video file directly by copying and pasting the following link into your browser address bar:
http://www.lineofsight.us/link/Finley.mp4
- Hall of fame inductees James A. Finley and Bill Eppridge
- James Finley looks at the work of prior inductees displayed on the walls of the Missouri Photojournalism Hall of Fame.
- Bill Eppridge gives a speech after being inducted into the Missouri Photojournalism Hall of Fame
- Missouri Photojournalism Hall of Fame 2009 inductees, Bill Eppridge, Ival Lawhon Jr. (represented by his wife, Renee) and James A. Finley. Lawhon passed away last month.
- Reception after the induction ceremony.
- Images taken by James Finley on display at the Missouri Photojournalism Hall of Fame.
The photos below were taken by James A. Finley:
- Charles Grus, 77, sorts through clothes from one of the trailers damaged in the Flat Creek flood in Union, Mo., Sunday, May 7, 2000. All 22 trailers in the Flat Creek Trailer Park were damaged by the flood, most of them moved from their trailer pads by the rushing water from the creek. Grus and his son are residents of the trailer park. More than a foot of rain swamped east-central Missouri Sunday. (AP Photo/James A. Finley)
- Then-St. Louis Cardinals catcher Darrell Porter reaches out to shake hands with the crowd during a victory parade though downtown St. Louis in this Oct. 21, 1982 file photo. Porter struggled in his first two seasons at St. Louis but was the NLCS and World Series MVP in 1982 when the Cardinals beat the Brewers in seven games. (AP Photo/James A. Finley)
- St. Louis Cardinals’ third baseman Scott Rolen jumps over the sliding Cincinnati Reds’ Adam Dunn (44) as the baseball bounces free during the second inning of their baseball game in St. Louis, Thursday, June 26, 2003. Dunn was attempting to steal third when the throw from the Cardinals catcher Mike Matheny hit him in the helmet. Rolen’s knee also crashed into Dunn’s head. Dunn was safe at third and remained in the game. Watching the action is third base umpire Matt Hollowell. (AP Photo/James A. Finley)
- St. Louis Rams’ Pisa Tinoisamoa, right, gives teammate Jimmy Kennedy a bear hug while Kennedy signs autographs following his arrival at the team’s training camp in Macomb, Ill., Tuesday, July 29, 2003. The Rams on Tuesday signed first-round draft pick Jimmy Kennedy, a defensive tackle from Penn State, to a five-year contract. (AP Photo/James A. Finley)
- The hall of famers found themselves on the other end of the cameras after the induction ceremony.
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your post fails to mention where this Hall Of Fame is located, or at least where this ceremony took place….
This information has been added to the entry. Thanks for your interest.
James…..We are so sorry to have missed this!! Would have LOVED to be there standing, to honor you and all the fabulous work you’ve done through the years. I remember, fondly, the Mizzou games I (worked ~ tee hee) with Jerry and you being there with your calm demeanor and great smile. I had a lot of fun doing those things and I loved hangin’ out with you guys. WE miss seeing you since leaving the Post (all of us) and would LOVE to have you over for dinner or something. It’s been TOO long. I’m hoping you are reading these…I know this is a public forum, but didn’t know how else to reach YOU to congratulate you and say I miss you. Peace. Holly (and co. =D)
James:
I wanted so much to be there for your big moment. Unfortunately, I was sick with the flu.
Several Post photogs called me to let me know about the event because they know how much I care for you.
I remember our friendship beginning in 1982 when I was an intern covering baseball for the Post-Dispatch. I had no idea what I was doing!
In one incident, I had changed exposures to shoot something in the crowd and forgot to switch back when action resumed. I shot a big part of the game way overexposed on slide film. When I realized my mistake–knowing that my young career was over–I went into my usual panic mode. But you were there, Fin, with your calming voice and never-sweat-it demeanor. You calmed me down and helped me make a picture for the next morning’s paper.
My career was saved and thus began a long friendship.
Do you remember the Christmas tree decorating parties at your house where you and I would be the only males present surrounded by ladies?!
I miss your smiling face, James.
I’m so thankful for your friendship.
Thanks also to Chris Lee for this great forum with videos for those of us who love you but couldn’t make it to the ceremony.
You’re the best, James!
See you soon,
Jerry
James Finley, the Finman, the man of a huge smile and heart. Jim calmed young photographers and got them to think and soothed older photographers so that they wouldn’t think too much. Great organizer of events (world series, pope visit), the man who knew where to find good barbecue in the middle of nowhere. First rate picture editor.
Jim also was a very good writer. One of his best works was titled Expense Account.
Scott Dine
Annapolis, Maryland
Congradulations James!
When James first started dappling in photography, I was one of his first subjects. I still cherish those pictures today.
Hello James,I couldn’t get there the call came to me a lil late,but i’d like to say to you thanks for all the help you did give me,things don’t always work out but i like to think i made a life long friend. Well you are the one of the best of the best,congratulation on your induction, man the sound is just mind blowing Hall Of Fame wow,well looking forward to chatting with you, so I want to thank you again for my experience. Sam Monroe
James,
Congratulations Man!!
I raise a pint of Samuel Adams’ Octoberfest in your honor.
I wish I had known… I would have tried to come.
Take care my friend.
Steve Lynch
Chris, thank you so much for this wonderful posting of photos and video that commemorates such an important day for James and his family, friends and colleagues. It was an honor to be there and it’s so appropriate to have James inducted into the Missouri Photojournalism Hall of Fame in Washington, Mo.
James….. Wish I would have been there. You deserve this for all the time and effort you put in to making great iages and great friendships.