FRANCIS, James O. 1951-2008

FRANCIS, FRITCHER, ARTERBERRY

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 1/9/2008 at 10:08:35

James O. "Jim" Francis, age 56, of Preston, Iowa, passed away on Friday, January 4, 2008 at his home. A funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 7, 2008, at the St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Preston, Iowa. Reverend Gregory Geier officiated.

A second funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 8 at the First United Methodist Church in Osage, Iowa, with Rev. Dr. Samuel Subramanian officiating.

Memorials may be given to the St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jim's memory. Online condolences may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com

Jim was born on October 2, 1951, in Riceville, Iowa, the son of Gerald and Zella (Fritcher) Francis. Jim attended Osage High School graduating in 1971, and also later graduated from Lincoln Technical Institute in Des Moines, Iowa. Jim married Connie Arterberry on July 8, 1978, in Osage, Iowa, and later divorced.

Jim was employed by the Jackson County Secondary Road Commission for 23 years, and did mechanic work on the side. Jim was an avid motorcyclist and enjoyed attending tractor pulls. Jim will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by one daughter, Corey Francis of Maquoketa, Iowa; one son, Fred Francis of Maquoketa; his parents, Gerald and Zella Francis of Osage; four brothers, Gary (Barbara) Francis of Osage, Herbert (Claire) Francis of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Kenneth (fiance Shea) Francis of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Robert Francis of Perry, South Dakota; one sister, Colleen (Mike) Counsell of Gainesville, Florida; one nephew and two nieces.

Jim was preceded in death by one brother, David Francis.

Arrangements made by Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage (641) 732-3706

(Mitchell County Press News online -- www.mcpress.com (Jan. 9, 2008))