Jamile James "Jimmy" Francis

November 14, 1947 - February 21, 2021

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Thomas McAfee - Downtown Chapel

639 North Main Street

Greenville, SC 29601

(864) 232-6733 |

Wednesday 2/24, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Jamile James “Jimmy” Francis, Jr., 73, husband of the late Cathren Crowell Francis, died on February 21, 2021 with his children by his side.

Born and raised in Greenville, Jimmy was the only child of the late Jamile J. Francis Sr. and Sophie Syracuse Francis.

He attended St. Mary’s School and graduated from Greenville Senior High School before obtaining his B.S. from Clemson University in 1969.

Co-founder of the Greenville Clemson Club, Jimmy was a lifelong supporter and lover of all things Clemson. His tailgates at football games were well known to many, and he did not miss a Clemson football or basketball game from the time he first stepped foot on campus in 1965 until his last days with us. He was a devoted Tiger and the epitome of a Clemson Gentleman.

Jimmy proudly began his real estate career at The Furman Company and then co-founded Easlan Capital in 1983. For fifty years he excelled in commercial real estate and residential development with many partners throughout Greenville, Charlotte, and Atlanta.

Jimmy was a brilliant businessman, but he was most proud of his family. His role as a husband, father, and grandfather was always his first priority.

Jimmy found the love of his life at the age of 14 when he met Cathy Crowell in his childhood neighborhood. He remained her devoted servant for the next 60 years, and beyond. Together they had two children and six grandchildren. Their children will always remember Jimmy’s love of dancing to beach music and The Spinners in the kitchen with his beautiful bride.

He never turned down a coaching position, and proudly led his son’s soccer, baseball and basketball teams. His crowning achievement was leading his son's 7th and 8th grade basketball teams to South Carolina Catholic State Championships. His now fifty-year-old former players still refer to him as “Coach,” and the state championship banners hang in the St. Mary's gym today.

Jimmy endured countless temper tantrums on the golf course, and many hours of dance recitals. He jokingly complained, but never missed a single chance to be present for his children and grandchildren and to provide advice.

Jimmy was a proud chef at all of his beloved wife’s civic projects, and together they were true friends and staunch supporters of the St. Francis Foundation Board (president), Greenville Chapter of the American Heart Association (president), St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Wade Hampton High School Booster Club, Greenville Urban League, United Way, Center for Developmental Services, and many, many more.

Jimmy was an avid golfer and member of the Greenville Country Club for more than fifty years, where he served as president in 1996. He always looked forward to and thoroughly enjoyed many 19th Hole Summits with his life long golfing buddies.

Jimmy is survived by his daughter Cathren Marie Lindsey (David) and his son Jamile James Francis III (Jamie), and his grandchildren, Carter and Sophie Lindsey, and Connor, Mills, Rawlings, and Fin Francis.

He was quick with a word of support, love, or sarcasm for all he loved, and he toasted each special occasion with a good Scotch. Always practical, Pops suggested that we refrain from posting an obituary to save on cost, but we have lovingly disregarded his wishes. Cheers.

His grandchildren want everyone to know, “Pops was a great man.”

Friends may pay their respects on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home Downtown. Due to Covid precautions the family will not be in attendance.

A private funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, followed by the rite of committal at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Masks are required at all Thomas McAfee Funeral Home locations and attendees are strongly encouraged to follow CDC guidelines on social distancing.

The family hopes to host a Celebration of Life in the coming months.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Francis Foundation, 1 St. Francis Drive Greenville SC 29601, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 111 Hampton Ave. Greenville, SC 29601, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Thomas McAfee - Downtown Chapel

639 North Main Street

Greenville, SC 29601

(864) 232-6733 | Map

Wednesday 2/24, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Jamile James “Jimmy” Francis, Jr., 73, husband of the late Cathren Crowell Francis, died on February 21, 2021 with his children by his side. Born and raised in Greenville, Jimmy was the only child of the late Jamile J. Francis Sr. and Sophie Syracuse Francis. He attended St. Mary’s School and graduated from Greenville SeniorContinue Reading

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Thank you, Vicki! He was a gem indeed. We will miss him forever. So heartwarming reading special memories of dad - thank you for taking time to leave a note!

Thank you, Truett! He was very particular about that hair of his and you did a great job all those years of taking care of him! Thank you for taking time to leave a note - it’s a perfect description and tribute to dad.

Thank you, Tommy. You and Donna were 2 of my parents’ closest friends and you both have been so wonderful to our entire family. We love you!

Thank you, Greg! We’ve enjoyed reading special memories of dad and hold them dear to our hearts.

Thank you, Donna! Our love to you and Tommy always. Thank you for being such close and special friends to my parents and our entire family. We love you!

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

John - Thank you. It means the world to us to know that good memories of dad extend far and wide among many. Reading notes like yours are special to us. Thank you so much for the message!

David - My parents loved you, too! Thank you for coming to see us when mom passed away and for taking time to leave this note for dad. What an honor and tribute to both my parents’ lives - thank you!!

My great friend J J. We started school together in first grade, on through high school and Clemson. There is a great void here but how happy he is now to be reunited with his beloved Cathy and feeling only love with no more suffering. I only have great memories of our many years together and will cherish them as long as I am here.

A special bond exists between couples who share the births and rearing of their young children. Like the two of us, Jimmy and Cathy were high school sweethearts and our lifelong friends. From that time on, we shared all the important events in our lives, happy and sad. We treasure decades of memories and celebrate the promise of their reunion and eternity in heaven!

My thoughts and prayers for all the Francis family. Jimmy was a dear friend. In our early years we played many rounds of golf in addition attending Clemson football games and the Masters golf with our dads who were very good friends.
Jimmy was kind and would do anything to help a friend in need. He will be missed by all.

Had it not been for COVID, I may have had the opportunity to meet Jimmy last November, as he was a Sigma Alpha Zeta fraternity brother and "Orange Blooded Clemson Tiger". To Jimmy's family I pray your faith in God Almighty will comfort you in knowing he is "Home".... From what the family wrote about him and what fellow Zeta Brothers have said of him, I know he will be missed very much. What a tribute you wrote and how blessed you all have been to have such a fine man as part of your family.

I met Mr. Francis six years ago...I am one of his tenets but he always made me feel more like a friend than a tenet. I saw him in the office in January and of course he greeted me with a nice welcome. I spoke with him one day on the phone in 2020 and he was giving me history of the city and a few family stories. I will cherish this phone call and having the joy to have known him in my life...what an incredibly nice genuine man. This news broke my heart...I will miss him but knowing he is with his lovely bride dancing together again wipes my sadness away a little. My condolences to the entire family...what a gem he was and I know this is a difficult time. A big “virtual” hug to all that knew him.

I was Jimmy’s barber for the last 26 years . I always enjoyed our conversations and his sense of humor . Going to miss him coming through my shop door . so sad to hear of his passing .

I am now 88 years old. I knew and interacted with Jimmy as far back as when he was with the Furman Company. I thought much of him there and subsequently. I wish he could have had a few more years. My thoughts and sympathies are with you.

Jimmy was a fraternity brother and friend. He was simply the best Clemson gentleman ever. Nancy also worked with him on the Taps staff and developed a true friendship over the years. We will miss he and Cathy. The family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Jimmy & Nancy Swindell

Marie and Jamie

I loved your mom and dad. I will never forget Jimmy’s laid back attitude and sharp sharp wit. Tailgating at Clemson games, kibbi, etc…

Your dad was very gracious and took the time to visit when my dad passed away.

You have my condolences.

Jimmy and I lived three doors apart in Cleveland Forest when we were children. Rarely a day went by in our neighborhood when we were growing up without the guys there getting together to play whatever sport was in season. Friendships were made there that you never forgot and didn't want to. Having Jimmy as a friend was a highlight of my life and Greenville will not be the same for me without him. His family has my condolences. I join you in mourning his passing.

Jimmy was a long business associate (Easlan) of mine. One of the real classy guys!
Smart, appreciative and caring. He will be missed!

What a wonderful legacy Jimmy leaves for his children and grandchildren. He was a true gentleman who was devoted to his family, a kind and gracious host to all. We will always remember him and Cathy and their acceptance and friendship of us as we got to know them when David was fortunate enough persuade Marie to marry him. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this sad time. Our love and prayers will be with all the family.

Marie and Jamie, I am so sorry to hear of the Passing of your Father. You are in my Thoughts and Prayers during this Difficult Time. May he Rest In Peace

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

From the first time I met Jimmy and Cathy until now. We shared the blessing of watching Connor and Mills grow into fine young adults. Jimmy had such a calm nature and would always have kind words when we visited for the grandchildren’s events such as swim meets, birthdays , christenings and even dance recitals.
I know how much his children and grandchildren will miss his ready smile.
Many are trying to deal with the sad news. While heartbroken, I feel blessed to have known Jimmy (JJ )Francis.

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