James Finis Garland left this earth to be with the Lord April 17, 2010 at the age of 77. He was born December 1932 in Garland, Oklahoma to Jim and Jewell Garland and the family moved to Wasco, California in August of 1939. Finis attended local schools and graduated from Wasco High School with the Class of 1952, where he will be remembered for his athletic ability in all sports. Finis married January 24, 1953 his high school friend and soul mate Lilly Ferne Mears. He joined the Army in May 1953 and served 19 months in Germany and was honorable discharged in May 1955. In October of 1955 Finis began his career with Monolith Portland Cement Company in Tehachapi and retired in December of 1985. In 1987 he and Lilly moved to Santa Maria to enjoy retirement, where they lived until his demise. There are so many things that could be said about Finis; he was a hard worker, always put his family first, and always gave a helping hand to others. He was a quiet man and no one knows all the things he did for others. His greatest pleasure was walking on the beach, feeding the squirrels and enjoying nature. He loved God, respected others for their beliefs and he also had a sense of humor. Finis was a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, and many of his ancestors were roll members of the tribe. Finis was preceded in death by his parents, three sons, Randy, Rodney and Baby Boy and his brother, Harold Garland. Finis will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 57 years, Lilly Ferne; grandson Rodney Garland and wife Kristy of Bakersfield; great-grandchildren, Chyann and Joshua Garland; sister, Ina Kay and husband Jim Bark of Pocola, Oklahoma; and so many other relatives and special friends. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the Wasco Historical Society, PO Box 186, Wasco, CA 93280. Graveside services will be held Friday, April 23, at 1pm at Wasco Memorial Park. Norman Newman will officiate and interment will follow. Visitation will be Thursday, April 22 from 5pm to 8pm and Friday, April 23 from 9am to noon.