James Joseph Francis

July 25, 1930 - December 26, 2020

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Thomas McAfee - Downtown Chapel

639 North Main Street

Greenville, SC 29601

(864) 232-6733 |

Tuesday 12/29, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

James J. “Boo” Francis, 90, passed away Saturday, December 26, 2020, at St. Francis Hospital.

A lifelong resident of Greenville, SC, Boo was a son of the late FB and Elizabeth Syracuse Francis. He was the loving husband of his wife, Helen S. Francis, and they would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in February.

Boo was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He graduated from Greenville Sr. High School and was a member of the first 12th grade class to graduate from the school.

He was a proud veteran of the US Air Force and served during the Korean War. One of his proudest moments was the opportunity to visit Washington DC aboard the Honor Flight recognizing veterans for their service. After many years with Francis Produce Company, Boo retired in 2000.

His pride and joy was his family, and when not spending time with them, he was an avid golfer and sports enthusiast. Boo loved people and never met a stranger. Quick-witted and beloved by many, there was always a story ready to be told. He was a generous, kind-hearted man, and will be dearly missed by his family and all who knew him.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Sharon Hall (Jim), Sheila Estes (Mark), Sandy Francis, Sissy Finger, Stacey Orr (Henry), James J. "Jimmy" Francis, Jr. (Alechia), and Susan Perry (Garrick); 19 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; 22 nieces and nephews; a brother, William R. "Bill" Francis; and brothers-in-law, Paul P. Norman, and Joseph R. Shaluly (Rachel).

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Elizabeth C. Hall; two brothers, Joseph G. Francis (Evelyn), and Anthony G. Francis (Susan); and two sisters, Theresa F. Pitts (Bob), and Kitty F. Norman.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the wonderful care he received from his caregivers at Crescent Hospice, especially Lisa and Nissa, as well as his longtime caregiver, Pam Clay.

Although no formal Receiving of Friends will be held, friends may pay their respects Tuesday, December 29, 2020, from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown. Due to COVID restrictions, a private Funeral Mass and graveside service will be held. The wearing of masks is required in all Thomas McAfee Funeral Home locations and attendees are strongly encouraged to follow the CDC guidelines on social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 111 Hampton Ave., Greenville, SC 29601, or St. Jude’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.

Thomas McAfee - Downtown Chapel

639 North Main Street

Greenville, SC 29601

(864) 232-6733 | Map

Tuesday 12/29, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

James J. “Boo” Francis, 90, passed away Saturday, December 26, 2020, at St. Francis Hospital. A lifelong resident of Greenville, SC, Boo was a son of the late FB and Elizabeth Syracuse Francis. He was the loving husband of his wife, Helen S. Francis, and they would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in February.Continue Reading

See Condolences

Dear Francis family,
I just heard of the loss of Mr. Francis. I am so saddened by the news and my heart goes out to all of you. I had the pleasure of spending time with him and am so honored to have known him. I will miss that precious man and I am sending much love and prayers to all of you. Dee Grumbos️

So sad to hear that "Boo" passed away. I met Boo Francis when he owned the Owls Club and we were a bunch of young kids with a band who needed a job. Boo hired us and gave us a chance. It was a wonderful experience and he was a great friend. Several members of the band were drafted and sent to Vietnam and on the night before I left for the service I stopped in to the club and Boo bought me a beer, gave me a pep talk and some advice that thank the good Lord I heeded. You were a great guy Boo, one of Natures Noblemen.

Helen and Family: Sorry to hear about Boo. He was one of the first persons we met when me and my wife moved to Greenville. He was always such a kind soul. "God Bless You Helen"

What a special man! Always smiling. So sorry for your loss.

Uncle Boo was always the kind, genial storyteller, filled with tales of the Francis Family from long ago. I will always treasure the time that he sat at my father's place at the table after Tony passed and told me stories about my dad. We miss you Boo, but wish you a joyous reunion with your siblings in Heaven.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Dearest Helen and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Boo was a kind, gentle man ~ always very welcoming. He made us feel like family. It was a pleasure working with him on his puzzles. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
Love, Karen & Dennis Benoit

To the Francis family, our thoughts and prayers go out to you.

John and Holly Bracknell, children Brack, Anna, Betsy, Hayden and Jay.

I can imagine Boo, Tony, Joe and Sam are having a fish fry together. Rest in peace Boo! Tell everyone we miss them.

Boo was such a caring father and husband . He was so proud of his kids and always had a smile on his face . I will always remember that smile when I think of Boo . My prayers will remain with Helen and all of the family. God will heal the broken-hearted.

Boo, one of a kind generous man. I know you are dancing in heaven

We are so sorry for your loss. He was the a wonderful man and he will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with your family

I was so saddened to read of Boos passing. He was such a fun customer, and I always looked forward to seeing him. Sending prayers for the entire family, many of which I have meet. Praying God will comfort you during this difficult time!

Thank you Mr. Francis for the inspiration and encouragement you were to me. Growing up on Arthur Ave and being blessed to be around you and your family will always be sweet and cherished memories! You have left a great heritage. Well done good and faithful servant.

Sandy, to you and your family and Aunt Helen -
Uncle Boo will be greatly missed, I will miss his famous little Lebanese accent when I would enter the house. I always enjoyed going to your house off of Grove Road. I will keep those memories close to my heart. May God be with you and your family now and the days to come.

We love you all and are holding you close in our hearts. Precious man and precious family. Sending a gift in his honor to St Jude. Harold, Molly Beth, and Elizabeth Huffman

Sending prayers for strength and guidance for the Francis family as well as for friends. May God continue to comfort you during this time of bereavement.

For the boys in Tito’s house, Uncle Boo was always teaching us to become better. He was tough, but made us think. He was humble and loving and always gave guidance. He was a peacekeeper at times, and a great friend to our father known as Uncle Michael. He will remain a guiding light always in my and my family’s life. Our prayers are with his large and loving family, we love you all.

I had the privilege of meeting Boo on several occasions with Jimmy and Alechia. Each time, he welcomed me as though I were a member of the Francis family. It was clear right away where Jimmy got his "charisma" from.

The bond of this family is amazing to me and I'm thankful that they are there for each other. I'll be holding Jimmy, Bill and the entire Francis family close to my heart in the coming days.

Our deepest sympathy to Helen and all of the family. Boo always had a smile and was such a wonderful neighbor.

Brent and Stephanie Dill send love and prayers to the entire Francis family. So many wonderful memories were shared over the years. Bless you, all of you.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Francis Family, all of you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. My husband, Philip, thought the world of Boo. We had so many good times with Boo starting in 1961. Boo, Freddie Mansour, Joe Shaluly, Sam Howard, my husband Philip, along with wives kicked up our heels on many occasions. My love and condolences to Helen and the entire Francis family.

My sincere condolences and prayers are with the family. I attended Greenville High with some of his children. Much love and respect for the family.

An old greenville family of renown. Deepest sympathy.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I always remember Boo driving that old beat up Francis Produce Truck. Such a nice man, such a nice family.

Deacon Tony and Mary Cassandra

Boo, a warm welcome from Helen and you to us when we arrived in Greenville and St Mary’s in the early ‘80’s. May you +RIP+

Such a smart, funny loving man! I will sure miss my Tuesday outings with Him! Sending love and Prayers to Helen and the rest of his sweet family.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.