James Ansil Francis

James Ansil Francis was born on August 12, 1939, the youngest of three siblings, with two older brothers and one sister to George and Henryetta Stout Francis . Growing up with competitive brothers, James quickly learned the value of determination. However, at the age of seven, a diagnosis of rheumatic fever temporarily slowed his active nature. After his recovery, he developed a love for baseball, becoming a skilled player.

In the mid-1940s, James lived in Lamar Terraces, where he formed many friendships, including one with future professional baseball player Tim McCarver. James even outperformed McCarver to secure the starting catcher position in an all-star game one year.

As a teenager, James balanced work with his father and brother in their new business Builders Ornamental Iron while navigating a busy social life. By his own account, he had no shortage of admirers. As he has stated on more than one occasion, “I had so many i had to beat them off with a stick”

During high school, James met Georgeanna Randle. On December 8, 1956, while on a date, the young couple decided to marry. James, 17, and Georgeanna, 15, traveled to Holly Springs, Mississippi, where they were wed by a justice of the peace at a gas station. Unsure how Georgeanna’s family would react, they kept their marriage a secret and continue dating for a week before sharing the news.

The couple later moved to California, where James began working at Howell’s Chevrolet, excelling in sales and management. After one particularly successful week and with a pocket full of money, James and Georgeanna both missing their families and the South they returned to Memphis. James joined the family business, Builders Ornamental Iron. James used his sales expertise to help the business thrive, and the couple welcomed their first child, Kandy Dee, on July 28, 1960.

In the late 1960s, the company expanded its offerings, rebranding as Metal Vent Manufacturing, and became a pioneer in ornamental security storm doors. Under James’s leadership as VP of sales, Metal Vent grew to serve dealers across all 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico. During this time, James and Georgeanna’s family grew with the births of Harold Michael on April 11, 1962, and Connie Kay on November 5, 1963.

James balanced his career with a commitment to his community. As a deacon at Broadmoor Baptist Church, he combined his love for baseball and mentoring by coaching youth teams. His first team, the Broadmoor Baptists Stingers, later evolved into the Metal Vent Bandits, a standout team in the Raleigh area of Memphis during the 1970s. Known for their success and stylish uniforms, the Bandits left a lasting legacy.

In 1972, James demonstrated to his family, his civic duties by running for a U.S. House seat in the Republican primary. Though he finished third out of eight candidates, he approached the campaign with humor. Once he was asked by a reporters. What would be the first thing he would do if he was elected? Without missing a beat he answered “Demand A Recount”. He also never missed the opportunity to promote his business Metal Vent.

After decades of success, James and Georgeanna founded Francis Security Doors in 1991. Their partnership, built on love and mutual respect, lasted 43 years until Georgeanna’s passing on May 27, 2000. James continued their legacy, running the business alongside his son.

James Ansil Francis’s life is a testament to hard work, resilience, and love for family and community. His humor, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit have left an enduring mark on all who knew him.

He is survived by his two daughters, Kandy Francis Marshall and Connie Francis Barrs (Mike) and son Harold Michael Francis (Alicen). Grandchildren Megan Francis Steely(Clinton), James William Francis. Adrianna Marshall Newsom (Cory), Mary Barrs Falcon (Jonathan) and Johnathan Michael Barrs. Granddaughters, Virginia Gayle Steely and Harper Elise Newsom.

There will be a service and celebration of life in the chapel of Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary

2095 Appling Rd.

Cordova, TN 38016

Family will receive visitors beginning at 12:30 service and celebration of life at 1 o’clock with Internment following at Memphis Memory Gardens 6444 Raleigh Lagrange Rd, Memphis, TN 38134.