Picture this: JAN/FEB 1959  Columbus, Ohio,  OSU, English class 107.  Two young men sit down next to each other, one from the city and one from the country.  Over the next several months they become very good friends almost like brothers.  They did a lot of stuff together, chase girls, drink a little beer, play ping pong ,cards, bowl.  His home became my home  and my country home became his.  JIM EVEN LEARNED TO DRIVE  A TRACTOR . He often said my mom was his second mom.  Gail and I we're married in 1961 after I had left† OSU.  Jim and Linda were married soon after.  Gail and I have 3 children, Jim and Linda have 4, so he won that one.  After they had moved to Florida, we still kept in contact over 40 years.  I will miss my best friend.  Linda, Shelly, Jimmy, La and Matt you will miss him more.   We hope to eventually see you all soon. maybe some day I will  see my old friend Jim
We love all of you     Gary and Gail 

I've thought about this time for many days now and can't begin to share my hurt as it can't compare to that of those who were closest to him. I have chosen to fondly look back at those times that I remember most and created the love that I have for my Uncle. As a small boy he always made me laugh and I looked forward to spending time with him. We played ping pong, we raced cars, and we went boating. He made time for me whenever I was around. Being the first in my generation, I got a lot of undivided attention from everyone.  My Uncle was not stingy with his time or attention. As a teenager I had the opportunity to get to know my Uncle Jim even better because I got to go to work with him and my Dad. I cherish the many conversations we had while riding to and from work together. We talked about everything. I worked with them for 9 years and am very thankful for each and every one of them. My Uncle played a big part in making me who I am today. I also got to enjoy playing in the Clearwater Community Orchestra with both my Uncles Jim and Ed. It was time that we all got to do something together that we all really loved. My Uncle Jim's  favorite song was Stardust. The lyrics to this song say it best, "Love is now the Stardust of Yesterday, The Music of The Years Gone By". I will miss my Uncle Jim but look forward to being able to play with him again. Amongst the stars that will forever remind me of our times together.
Love, Your Boy, Kenny.



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Meadowlawn Funeral Home and Meadowlawn Memorial Gardens

James Francis

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OBITUARY

James Arthur Francis

October 13, 1940 – February 16, 2019

Meadowlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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