James Morgan Francis

January 29, 1929 - May 13, 2018

James Morgan Francis, age 89, of Versailles, passed away Sunday, May 13, 2018, at his home. He was born January 29, 1929, in Linn Creek, Missouri, a son of the late Roy Clinton and Jessie Mae (Patterson) Francis. James grew up in Sunrise Beach, and attended Oak Hill Grade School and Versailles High School. On December 23, 1950, in Versailles, he was united in marriage to his surviving wife, Willa Dean (Irwin) Francis. Together, they shared sixty-eight years of marriage and raised seven children on their family farm in Versailles. James was a veteran of the United States Army having served in the Korean Conflict. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal W/4 and Bronze Service Stars – United Nations Service Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Technical Sergeant. James spent his life working as an electrician and an IBEW Union member. Following his retirement, he enjoyed spending his time farming. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge 320 in Versailles. James was an outdoorsman who enjoyed coon hunting and fishing. He also spent time with Willa playing cards and dancing. In addition to his wife, Willa, he is survived by his children, Jim Francis and wife Liz, Roger Francis and wife Marya Lynn, Jerry Francis and companion Sharon Larsen, Kathy Brown and husband Dale, Julie Decker and husband Frank, David Francis and wife Kathy and Sue Conley and husband Michael; seventeen grandchildren; thirty-eight great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; his sister, Alma K. Merriott and many other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Glen Roy Francis and his brother-in-law, Jack G. Merriott. Funeral and Masonic services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 16th, at the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home in Versailles. Graveside services and interment with full military honors will follow in the Versailles Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Missouri School for the Blind, 3815 Magnolia Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63110. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.