Obituary for James “Jim” France, Jr. (1931-2021)

Mr. James “Jim” France, Jr., born November 05, 1931, in Knox County to the union of the late James France, Sr. and the late Martha Jane Reynolds France.

Jim was a United States Veteran, having served honorably and retired from the United States Air Force.    He loved his parents, loved Kentucky and he loved to help people.  Jim was a long-time resident of Hazard and was a devoted member of the Full Gospel Church of Jesus Christ at Smilax.  Jim’s greatest joy came from being outdoors.

James “Jim” France, Jr. departed this life on Sunday, October 03, 2021, at the Mary Breckinridge A.R.H. Hospital in Hyden at the age of 89.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Charles France, a half-brother, Spencer Bray and two sisters, Laura Wilburn and Ruby Woolum.

He leaves the following relatives surviving:  his loving and devoted wife, Shirley Baker France of Hazard; two beloved sons, Richard France and wife, Kathy, and James “Jim” France III and wife, Yvonne; other survivors include two cherished grandchildren, Alyssa France and Leeann France Parsons; three cherished great-grandchildren, Taylor Parsons Bowling, Amber Parsons and Billy Parsons.  One cherished great-great grandchild, Ash.  A host of nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends who remember Jim with love.

Funeral service for Mr. James “Jim” France will be held at 12 Noon – Wednesday, October 13, 2021, in the chapel of Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home with Rev. Billy Joe Lewis officiating.  Interment will follow the services at the Tinsley Cemetery in Knox County with military funeral honors.

The France family will receive friends for visitation from 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M., Wednesday at the funeral home chapel.

Arrangements are being handled carefully under the direction of Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home.

This is a courtesy announcement from the Knox Funeral Home.