Jim was born on October 14, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan to the late Jerry and Gertrude France. He was a graduate of Notre Dame Catholic High School, served in the Army National Guard, and a proud journeyman of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 58.
Jim spent 42 years as an electrician working across southeast Michigan and ended his career as a fire alarm specialist. In his work and his hobbies, Jim had a tremendous knack for organization, attention to detail, and an infallible work ethic to always do things right the first time, every time with the utmost precision and care.
He demonstrated this attention to precision and detail through his hobby of restoring furniture and nostalgic artifacts picked up on his Saturday morning "junking" adventures. Jim's basement was a timeless walk through history of all things pop culture and world events. Each item carefully cleaned, shined, restored and precisely placed on display. Jim's hobby was the embodiment of the phrase "one man's trash is another man's treasure."
Jim also enjoyed owning sports cars over the years and gambling in Atlantic City, Las Vegas and Mount Pleasant, Michigan. He was an avid reader and investor in the stock market. He loved watching movies, Sunday morning political shows and listening to music. He enjoyed spending time with Sandy's family at gatherings such as Christmas parties or high school graduations. It was always a lively crowd, and Jim had a big personality that fit right in. In more recent months, Jim enjoyed his weekly yoga sessions with his younger brother, Bob. During a challenging period of grief and uncertainty, it was Bob's Monday afternoon visits, to help Jim practice restful breathing and mindfulness, that brought him great comfort.
Jim's late wife, Sandy, whom he affectionately nicknamed "Toots", was the love of his life. They seemed to spend every waking hour together, enjoying each other's company, visiting local establishments, and enjoying the company of family and friends. Jim and Sandy played euchre with friends, enjoyed going on cruises and being winter "snowbirds" in Orange Beach, Alabama.
Among his greatest sources of joy were his four grandchildren - Anna, Ryan, Tyler, and Jonah. He loved learning about their interests and activities and hearing all about their exciting adventures and accomplishments. He always provided positive encouragement and shared life lessons with them.
The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to Cardinal Hospice and North Oakland Caregivers, with specific appreciation to Amy and Ms. H (Hellena), respectively. Jim quite often referred to them as "his angels," and they certainly offered him friendship and compassionate care that will not be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the American Cancer Society or Cardinal Wishes of Oxford, Michigan (https://cardinalhospice.net/cardinal-wishes/).
Jim was born on October 14, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan to the late Jerry and Gertrude France. He was a graduate of Notre Dame Catholic High School, served in the Army National Guard, and a proud journeyman of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 58.
Jim spent 42 years as an electrician working across southeast Michigan and ended his career as a fire alarm specialist. In his work and his hobbies, Jim had a tremendous knack for organization, attention to detail, and an infallible work ethic to always do things right the first time, every time with the utmost precision and care.
He demonstrated this attention to precision and detail through his hobby of restoring furniture and nostalgic artifacts picked up on his Saturday morning "junking" adventures. Jim's basement was a timeless walk through history of all things pop culture and world events. Each item carefully cleaned, shined, restored and precisely placed on display. Jim's hobby was the embodiment of the phrase "one man's trash is another man's treasure."
Jim also enjoyed owning sports cars over the years and gambling in Atlantic City, Las Vegas and Mount Pleasant, Michigan. He was an avid reader and investor in the stock market. He loved watching movies, Sunday morning political shows and listening to music. He enjoyed spending time with Sandy's family at gatherings such as Christmas parties or high school graduations. It was always a lively crowd, and Jim had a big personality that fit right in. In more recent months, Jim enjoyed his weekly yoga sessions with his younger brother, Bob. During a challenging period of grief and uncertainty, it was Bob's Monday afternoon visits, to help Jim practice restful breathing and mindfulness, that brought him great comfort.
Jim's late wife, Sandy, whom he affectionately nicknamed "Toots", was the love of his life. They seemed to spend every waking hour together, enjoying each other's company, visiting local establishments, and enjoying the company of family and friends. Jim and Sandy played euchre with friends, enjoyed going on cruises and being winter "snowbirds" in Orange Beach, Alabama.
Among his greatest sources of joy were his four grandchildren - Anna, Ryan, Tyler, and Jonah. He loved learning about their interests and activities and hearing all about their exciting adventures and accomplishments. He always provided positive encouragement and shared life lessons with them.
The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to Cardinal Hospice and North Oakland Caregivers, with specific appreciation to Amy and Ms. H (Hellena), respectively. Jim quite often referred to them as "his angels," and they certainly offered him friendship and compassionate care that will not be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the American Cancer Society or Cardinal Wishes of Oxford, Michigan (https://cardinalhospice.net/cardinal-wishes/).
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