Pastor's Blog

James Francis French, Sr, “Jimmy”, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Monday, August 25, 2025. He was a native of Mobile, Alabama – born to Lorenzo George French and Anna B. Fox French on July 21, 1935, the oldest of 10 children. He was a member of Dauphin Way Methodist Church. Jimmy graduated from Murphy High School, served four years in the US Air Force, then worked at Brookley Air Force Base, in civil service, until its closing in 1969. He continued doing the work he loved at the Army Corps of Engineers until he retired. He loved working on electronics and was often referred to as the radio man.

Jimmy was married to Joe Alice Wise and together they raised five children. He was devoted to his family, wanting to “take care” of everybody. Because of his ability and desire to fix things, friends and family members knew they could count on him whenever help was needed. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jimmy enjoyed spending time outdoors. Fishing from his boat or the dock at his house on Dauphin Island was his favorite pastime, but he also enjoyed taking care of animals, like birds, squirrels and dogs.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Forrest Campbell French and John Winfield French; and two sisters, Nora Emily Lindstrom and Anna French McIntosh.

He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Joe Alice French; daughters Judy (Steve) Duke, Peggy (David) Brown and Anna Belle Rushing, two sons, James (Teresa) French, Jr. and David (Kim) French; ten grandchildren Jamey (Lettie) Duke, Elizabeth Duke, Neil (Jessica) Brown, Scott Brown, Amanda Whisenhant, Brittanie (Ryan) Hinkle, LeighAnn French, Melia (Josh) Weatherford, Jason Rushing, Jimmy Rushing; twelve great-children Ansley, Stephen and Molly James Duke, Carson Brown, Brady, Isaac, and Micah Whisenhant, Eli, Ella Kate, Rory, and Oliver Weatherford, and Celesta French; brothers, Lorenzo George (Mary Lee) French, Jr., and Richard Lee (Nita) French; sisters, Betty Jean Moore, Ellen Rae Beuk, and Norma Kay (Roy) West; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other cherished family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 10 am at Pine Crest Funeral Home on Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile, with a chapel service immediately following. Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Semper Fi & America’s Fund or the Wounded Warrior Project.