Person:James Francis (32)

About James "Jim" Francis

James Spencer "Jim" Francis, Jr. was born May 9th, 1952 in Pasadena, Los Angeles County, California to James Spencer Francis, Sr. and his wife Shirley Webb. From there, the family moved to Eugene, Oregon which led to Jim's lifelong love of the University of Oregon Ducks. After spending his adolescent years in the Pacific Northwest, the Francis family headed back to Southern California. At Arcadia High School, Jim honed in on his love of athletics by making the varsity team in both golf and basketball. This was followed by attending San Diego State University, where he would earn his Bachelor's degree and spend some of the most enjoyable years of his young life. Jim's first love was the golf course, and he spent as much time during and after college at the course as possible, ultimately starting a career as a golf professional at San Diego's Singing Hills Golf Resort.

Eventually, Jim would make the life altering decision to leave the golf business. Jim would land in the grocery industry, where, with a mixture of good fortune, hard work and a lovable personality, he would go on to spend 35+ years. The last 30 of which were at his own food brokerage company, JTJ Sales, named after his beloved children. Specializing in the niche of independent markets, Jim build a successful business with which to support his growing family.

On September 29th, 1984, Jim married Noreen Francis. They would travel the world together, largely with the Certified/Unified Grocers family. Ultimately, they would have three children together - Jordan, Tyler and Sarah. Jim adored each of his children and spend every available moment supporting them, whether that meant playing catch until after sunset, taking them to sporting events, or being there for the needed pick-me-up. There were no limits to his love for his children which he showed time and time again through care and action.

On November 21st, 2009, Jim was remarried to Kimberly Francis. Jim and Kim continued with a shared passion for seeing the world, they whale watched in Alaska, saw castles in Edinburgh, drank tequila in Mexico. road tripped through the redwoods of the Pacific Northwest, drove through colorful Colorado on their way to Jackson Hole and more. Kim was in charge of the music, and Jim was in charge of making them laugh, navigating the highway and finding places to eat fast food. Jim loved Kim's kids as if they were his own and he made sure they knew it every chance he had. Kim and Jim made their home in Costa Mesa.

For many years, Jim was was a long-time supporter of a local food industry trade association, the Dairy/Deli/Bakery Council of Southern California (DDBC), and in recognition of that support, received the DDBC's "Big Cheese" Award in May 2000. Jim helped to support the DDBC for many years making sure that his suppliers provided sponsorship assistance for the many events that he attended over the years. Jim's son Jordan was also recognized by the DDBC as the "Big Cheese" Award winner in March 2019, following in his father's footsteps.

Jim is survived by his mother Shirley, sister Nancy, his three children - Jordan, Tyler and Sarah, his wife Kimberly, and her children - JJ and Nicolette. Jim's family wishes that you remember him by his love for life and the love he had for his friends and family. Jim would want you to remember him for his dapper looks, love for sports, infectious laugh, and of course, his excellent golf game.

1.   California, United States. California Birth Index, 1905-1995. (Sacramento, CA, USA: California Department of Health Services, Center for Health Statistics.).

   Name: James Spencer Francis
   Birth Date: 9 May 1952
   Gender: Male
   Mother's Maiden Name: Webb
   Birth County: Los Angeles