James Franklin Findley

James Franklin Findley passed away on June 8, 2017 at the age of 83.
Jim was the son of Charles Franklin Findley and Odessa Mae Johns. He was born and raised in Claremore, attending Claremore Public Schools. Although legally blind since the age of 16, Jim worked full time for 45 years, delivering papers on his bicycle for the Tulsa World and Tulsa Tribune. His day would begin at 2:00 am to deliver the World. When that paper was delivered, Jim would go back home for a nap before delivering the afternoon edition of the Tribune. As a young teenager, Jim sold newspapers and candy bars to the passenger and troop trains passing through Claremore during World War II. During his 45 year career, Jim walked or rode his bike over 305,000 miles delivering papers.
Jim joined the Masonic Lodge in 1964. Because of his blindness, Jim was taught by fellow Mason John Musgrove. As a very active member in the lodge, he went on to teach others and served twice as worshipful master in the lodge. Although Jim never married, his fellow Masons were his family.
Services for Mr. Findley will be held at MMS-Payne Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 1:00 pm, and will be conducted by the Masonic Lodge.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Ben Findley of Owasso and Charles Findley of Kent, Washington.
Donations in honor of Jim can be made to the Glaucoma Foundation at 80 Maiden Lane. Suite 700, NY, NY 10038