Jimmy L. France Sr.

Jimmy L. France Sr., 65, Grand Forks, North Dakota, died Thursday, July 17, 2008 in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks. Jimmy Lee France was born January 13, 1943 at Opelika, Alabama to Jeff and Lee Ella (Dowell) France. He grew up in Dayton, Ohio. He served in the US Air Force from 1961to 1981. He retired on August 18, 1981 after 20 years of service. Jimmy and Melita met at Clark Air Force Base, Philippines and were married on October 29, 1968. While serving in the Air Force he was stationed in Larson AFB Washington, Osan AFB Korea, Vietnam, Anderson AFB Gaum, Clark AFB Philippines, Scott Air Force Base Illinois before retiring at Grand Forks AFB North Dakota. Jimmy enjoyed sports, fishing, coin collecting, and watching old, classic movies. He was also a great cook. He was a kind, gentle, intelligent, sincere, and loving man with a great sense of humor. He will be missed by all who knew him. Jimmy is survived by his wife, Melita; sons Marcelino (Janet) France of Fargo, ND; Jimmy Jr. (Stephanie) France of East Grand Forks, MN; Jeff (Shannan) France of DuQuoin, Illinois; daughter Jilita (Scottie) Jones of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren Mikel Collette, Olivia France, Asia France, Jaylen Larson, Jelani France, Jeremy Jones, Hannah and Molly France, Kaori and Jeff Jr. France, Nicholas Karel, Noah and Nyla Schelinder, a special aunt Katie White, a special uncle Andrew Dowell, as well as several wonderful aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents Jeff France and Lee Ella Story; a grandson Jimmy Campbell.