A Homegoing Service, celebrating the life of Jay C. “J.C.” Finklea, Sr., 76 of Newark, will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 383 Washington Street, Newark, with Reverend Dr. Michael A. Noble officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 26th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m at Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home, 179 Granville Street, Newark. J.C. proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Prior to retirement, J.C. was a zoning inspector with the City of Newark for over 30 years. He was an active member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as the Chairman of the Deacon Board, Sunday School Superintendent, singing in the Mass Choir and Male Chorus. He enjoyed flying and held a pilot’s license, flying remote control airplanes, woodworking, painting artwork, fishing, hunting, singing and playing the piano, and spending time with his family and friends, but most importantly in J.C.’s life, was being a faithful servant of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 49 years, Beverly A. (Irwin) Finklea, whom he married July 13, 1974; sons, J.C. Finklea II, Dr. Charles U. (Marcia) Finklea and Aaron M. Finklea; grandchildren, Kailee Finklea, Isabella Finklea and a third unborn grandchild; brother-in-law, Ronald O. (Brenda) King, Sr. and numerous God-Children, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a God-Son, Russell McMillian; big brother, Savage Nettles; brother-in-law, Donald Irwin; and many aunts and uncles. Those who wish, are welcome to send flowers, or make memorial contributions in memory of J.C. to Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church or to Hospice of Central Ohio. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. A private graveside service will be held at a later date for the family at Cedar Hill Cemetery, with military honors observed by the Licking County Veterans Alliance. Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to care for J.C. and the Finklea family.