When I was young I knew I had a brother Jim but I didn’t know who he was. He left for the Air Force right out of high school in 1969. I was 3 years old.  When he came home on leave from the service he would come home but… I didn’t know who he was.  He wasn’t home when I graduated high school. He wasn’t home when I got married. I didn’t know who he was. In 1991 I went to Las Vegas and stayed at his house. I felt like a stranger because I didn’t know who he was. When he came home that same year for Dads funeral I found out that this brother that I didn’t know had such a beautiful voice. He sang from the heart. I witnessed emotion from this brother that I didn’t know. Since the loss of Dad my relationship with Jim began to blossom. As the years passed by we started to exchange Christmas cards, phone calls and memories. We called each other to check on the weather, our health issues and just to say hi. Through all this I began to get to know the brother I never knew. I found out about his time in the service. I found out about his political views and I found out about his work in Las Vegas. I learned of his weakness for maple cream and surprised him by sending him some on more than one occasion.  More importantly I found out what a kind person he was. His love for God and family were what mattered to him the most. He had such a hardy laugh that sounded like no other. He had sincere concern for everyones wellbeing. He got to know about Emily only by phone calls but truly cared about how she was doing. The last time I seen Jim was on a sibling trip a few years ago. It is a trip that I will forever be grateful that I made.  I was so happy and proud when he said my hamburg macaroni soup tasted just like Moms. I knew when we were leaving for the airport that it would be the last time that I would see my brother. After the trip our phone calls became more frequent and longer. I found out that Jim really did love his baby sister. I finally knew the brother I never knew.   Lynn

I first met Jim at the Full Gospel Korean Church about 1988.  He had a Korean wife and two babies.  We had something in common.  Found out he was a Master Sergeant in the USAF and worked in Civil Engineering.  He was very good with his hands and mind and knew lots about carpentry and masonry.  When he wasn’t working for the Air Force, he was making someone’s patio or laying a new sidewalk.  He always stayed busy. Jim was a man among men.  By this I mean,  James Lafraniere wasn’t an ordinary, run-of-the-mill type of military guy.  His personal views about family, Christianity and work ethics were commendable.  He was straight forward, blunt sometimes, but he always spoke from the heart.  He walked the walk and talked the talk.  Family was his number one priority.  All the years passed since retirement for both of us.  We didn’t stay in touch as much as I had wanted too, but I often thought about him and his family.  I will miss his candid greeting of ‘Come on in and grab a cup of coffee!”  every time I went to their home.  He was a proud father, husband and respected by everyone in his circle of life.  I will not remember that he died, but I will remember that he lived.  You will be sorely missed Jim!  My hat goes off to you and  I salute you.  Rest in Peace.  

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James Lafreniere

8 November, 1949 – 17 April, 2018

Palm Downtown Mortuary & Cemetery

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