James Bruce Findley, 94, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2026, in Ashland, Ohio, with his family by his side.
Jim was born on April 26, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Floyd and Gladys (Funk) Findley. He graduated from Libbey High School in Toledo and attended The Ohio State University, where he played freshman basketball. It was there that he met and fell in love with Sanda Lee Otto. Jim graduated with a business degree in June 1954, and he and Sanda were married the following September.
Jim served as an officer in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Montgomery, Alabama, for two years. He and Sanda then returned to Toledo, where Jim began his career with John Hancock Insurance Company.
A natural leader and entrepreneur, Jim established his own general agency for National Life of Vermont in the mid-1960s. By 1969, he recognized that businesses needed objective guidance on employee benefit plans from advisers who were not simply trying to sell them a product. Together with John Davies Jr., he founded Findley, Davies & Company. The firm began by providing employee benefit consulting services and ultimately grew into a full-service human resources consulting firm, with additional offices in Charlotte, Cleveland, Columbus, Chicago, and Nashville.
While Jim was proud of the company he helped build, his greatest professional legacy was the people he encouraged along the way. He was a remarkable mentor who was generous with his time, experience, and advice. He had a gift for recognizing potential in others and took genuine satisfaction in helping people develop their talents, build their careers, and pursue opportunities they might not otherwise have considered. Many colleagues and friends viewed him not only as a business leader, but also as a trusted adviser and lifelong source of encouragement.
Jim had an uncommon talent for connecting with people, and he especially enjoyed bringing people together. At age 89, he was still regularly going downtown to his office. Although he was no longer consulting directly with clients, he continued to provide tremendous value through his leadership advice, relationships, networking, and ability to recognize opportunities for others.
Jim and Sanda were an extraordinary team. Together, they gave their children and grandchildren a wonderful life, encouraging them to embrace life, choose their own paths, and welcome new adventures. Jim loved researching destinations and planning trips, and there was almost always a “next trip” in the works, often involving family or close friends. Family gatherings at their second home on Kiawah Island, South Carolina, were among their most treasured times.
Jim was a member of the Slagle Trout Club and the Castalia Trout Club, as well as Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, the Rotary Club of Toledo, the Answer Club, and the Toledo Club, where he honed his skill as a squash player. He was passionate about helping both the Toledo Club and the Toledo Museum of Art remain important and enduring assets to the community.
He was also a devoted Ohio State Buckeyes fan. He and Sanda attended several football games each year, regardless of the weather.
Wherever Jim became involved, he was willing to lead. He served on numerous boards, including Goodwill Industries, St. Luke’s Hospital, Therma-Tru, the Toledo Chamber of Commerce, the Toledo Club, and SSOE. He was also deeply committed to Christ Presbyterian Church, where he was a member for nearly 70 years and served as a deacon, elder, and chair of the pulpit committee.
In December 2020, Jim suffered a debilitating stroke. He and Sanda subsequently moved to Swan Creek, where they lived until relocating to Belmont Tower in Ashland in August 2025. Although the stroke changed his life considerably, Jim persevered, with Sanda as his loving and ever-present companion and caregiver. His strength, gratitude, and determination made him an inspiring example of how to face adversity while continuing to focus on the blessings of each day.
Jim is survived by Sanda, his beloved wife of nearly 72 years; his children, Anne (Bob) Beer, Karen (Rob) Judd, and Craig (Amy) Findley; and his granddaughters, Julie Beer, Meredith Beer, Lisa Judd (Chris Hall), Louise Judd, Mallory Findley and her fiancé, Scott Burgess, Molly Findley and her fiancé, Luke Swint, Mary Findley, and Megan Findley. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Liz Otto, as well as seven nieces, two nephews, and their families.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, William Findley, in 1996, and his sister, Patricia Freund, in 2019.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Christ Presbyterian Church. Visitation will take place from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends are then invited to gather at Inverness Club beginning at noon. Private family Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Christ Presbyterian Church or the Toledo Museum of Art.
For those unable to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com