James B. Francis Jr.

Francis, James B. Jr. (February 26, 1935- December 13, 2024). Beloved husband of the late Alma K. (nee Larson). He is survived by his son James A. (Suzanne) Francis; stepchildren William (Patti) Lapp, Susan Lapp-Weidner, and Karin (Ryan) Lafferty; sister Kay Graff and her children, nieces Henny and Kate, and nephew Jimmy; and 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was loved by his family, and surrounded by them when he passed.  Jim grew up in Villanova, Pennsylvania, and spent his summers at Camp Mowglis in Hebron, New Hampshire.  He graduated from the Episcopal Academy in 1953 and Haverford College in 1957 where he studied business.  Jim valued education very highly, and stressed its importance to his children. Following college, he went onto enjoy a successful career as an executive in the aviation reinsurance industry, working in both Philadelphia and Manhattan for many years.  He also became a certified financial planner later in life, and counseled clients until retirement.  Throughout his life, Jim was an avid golfer, playing as often as he could as a long-time member of Lu Lu Country Club in Glenside, Pennsylvania. He also enjoyed traveling, dining, trading stocks and just being social.  He traveled with his wife Alma to many favorite destinations, including Disney World, Bermuda, Hilton Head SC, Newfound Lake in New Hampshire, and the Jersey shore. They traveled overseas to Sweden, and enjoyed time in Banff, Canada as one of their last adventures.   At his core, Jim was a diehard Philly sports fan, holding season tickets for both the Eagles and the Flyers for many years.  He made friends wherever he went, and loved to talk Philly sports with anyone and everyone.  He knew every stat and every player, both professional and college, and many of his grandkids’ teammates as well.  He shared his love of sports and travel with his family, taking his children and grandchildren on various vacations and to many Philly sporting events.  “PopPop” could often be found attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, always showing up with great enthusiasm and cheering loudly from the sidelines.  His love for his family was obvious and palpable.  Jim liked being on the go, and lived life uniquely on his terms.  He was observant in his Protestant faith, and was a longtime member of Christ’s Lutheran Church in Oreland PA.  Jim was also committed to community service.  For the last 10 years, he was a devoted volunteer in the emergency department at Doylestown Hospital, and made many friends there. He loved his Doylestown family, and they loved and supported him until the very end. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him best, and will be remembered for his passion, generosity and love of life.

Family and friends are invited to Jim’s memorial service Tuesday January 7, 2025 @11am at St David’s Episcopal Church, 763 S. Valley Forge Rd., Wayne, PA 19087. Interment St. David’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Jim’ s name to Doylestown Hospital , 595 W State St, Doylestown PA 18901.