A. JAMES FRANCIS

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A. JAMES FRANCIS February 23, 1921 - September 17, 2002 Died suddenly at St. Boniface Hospital with his family at his side. Dear husband of 57 years of Lynn; dearly loved father of Peter, Annabeth (Chai), David (Anne), Kathleen, and Jeffrey, and foster daughter Valerie Redlick (Lorne) adored grandpa of Jennifer, Rachael, Runa, Ian and Kim; great-grandfather of Angelica and Thayden. He is also survived by his sisters, Elizabeth (Betty) Richardson and Dorothy, his brother Ted (Pat), nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Elizabeth Francis and by a sister Jocelyn Botterill (Ray). Jim was born on his fathers Soldiers Land Grant, Steep Rock, MB, moving to St. Vital in 1922 where he spent the rest of his life except for his service in the Navy during the Second World War. He joined the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve in early 1940 serving as a gunner in HMCSs Prince David, Lunenberg, Wentworth and Chaudier. Upon discharge in October 1945 he married Dorothy (Lynn) Hammett in November 1945. He worked at the C.N.R. Shops Transcona for 35 years, retiring in 1981. Shortly after, he started volunteering at the Museum of Man and Nature giving tours of the Nonsuch, and he recently received a plaque recognizing his 20 years there. Jim also volunteered as an officer for many years in the R.C.N. Cadet Corps J.R.K. Millen and was Commanding Officer in the mid-70s. He belonged to the Royal Canadian Naval White Ensign Club serving as President 1988-1990 and was a member of the Naval Officers Association; a member of the St. Vital Historical Society and just lately joined the St. Vital Mens Breakfast Club. Jim will be affectionately remembered by all his numerous friends. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating his 81 years will be held Saturday, September 21 at 1:00 p.m. at Thomsons Funeral Chapel, Broadway and Sherbrook, Winnipeg, with Rev. Fred Lynch officiating. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, donations may be made to the Naval Museum of Manitoba, Heart and Stroke Foundation, or charity of ones choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 21, 2002