'He's just a guy that enjoys life': 91-year-old veteran skydives for first time

EUGENE, Ore. (KVAL) — John Finnie, 91, is finally checking skydiving off his bucket list.

It's something he has always wanted to do since he was in the Air Force during the Korean War.

Finnie served for five years, flying high in the sky and dropping cargo out of planes.

He wasn't afraid to fly then, and he sure isn't afraid to fly now.

I'm not nervous about it," said Finnie. "I'm just ready to jump!

He said some of his loved ones were hesitant to watch his freefall and told him he was crazy. But that's precisely what he was most excited about.

"That's crazy that he wanted to go!" exclaimed Chevy Alden, his great-great-granddaughter.

But he sure isn't worried. He's feeling pretty strong and fearless.

So why is he choosing to do this now?

Finnie's wife passed away last year, and he just recovered from a bad case of COVID-19.

He realized it was now or never.

His children, grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and members of his retirement community all came out to support him.

His son said he wasn't too surprised his dad was finally ready to take the leap.

He's just a guy that enjoys life," said Kurt Finnie. "You're never too old to do any of this.

Finnie said it warms his heart to see his loved ones come out to support him.

The fearless 91-year-old is now finally living out his dream.

"This guy is a maniac up there, I didn't know how wild he was," his instructor, Mark Shoemaker, joked.

He said everyone should do it - especially if they are 91.

"I really enjoyed it; I'd do it again anytime," said Finnie.

So what's next for the most adventurous 91-year-old in Eugene?

He plans on doing it again at 95, and he's hoping his family will join him.

After all, you can't let the fear of falling keep you from flying.