James Paul Francom was born Aug. 29, 1957, in Ogden, Utah, a son of Paul Marcus Francom and Eleanor Clay Francom. He lived in Ogden then moved to Mountain Green. James was the oldest of three children including his brother, Jade, and sister, Shawna.
James graduated from Morgan High School in 1975. His career began in the Air Force Reserves as an avionics communications specialist and later as an electronic specialist at Hill Air Force Base in Layton, Utah. He was transferred to Kadena AFB in Okinawa, Japan, in 1989.
James married Kathleen Farr in 1978 and had two sons, Paul James Francom and Jason Lee Francom. They later divorced. Before he moved to Okinawa, he married Merrillee Coburn in 1989, adding her two children, Mindee Lee Kraus and Karl Dean Kraus, to his family.
Returning from Okinawa in 1998, they decided to settle in Evanston, where James returned to Hill AFB as a computer network administrator. He retired due to a medical disability in 2002.
James enjoyed electronics, computers and “fixing stuff.” He enjoyed riding his ATV and seeing nature around him. In 2013, his life changed when he lost both legs due to infection and his new mobility became a wheelchair, which he immediately modified.
James bravely endured many other health challenges in his life. He was a beloved spouse, father and grandfather. James was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
James is survived by his wife of over 35 years, Merrillee; his children and their spouses, Jason (Vanessa), Mindee (Zack) and Karl (Katie); nine grandchildren: Talon, Gavin (Kate), Jayden, Caden, Colton, Keylie, McKinlee, Jake and Rylee; one great-grandchild, Octavia; and his siblings, Jade (Shelly) and Shawna (Chad).
He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Paul.
A graveside service was held in Deweyville, Utah, on Feb. 4.
Go With God, James. GWG
