James Francis

James Whitaker Francis

June 21, 1930 ~ December 24, 2020

James Whitaker Francis, 90, died December 24, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah from the effects of multiple myeloma. Born June 21, 1930 in Morgan, Utah to Earl Stuart and Thelma Rollins Francis. He married Velma Toone June 8, 1955 in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she passed away on December 9, 1980.

He was educated at Morgan High School in Morgan, Weber High School in Ogden and attended the University of Utah where he graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy.

A veteran of the Korean War serving with the Utah National Guard Medical Detachment and was stationed at Clovis Air Force Base in New Mexico.

A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints he served a two-year mission to Australia from 1953-55. Active in scouting, a recipient of the Wood Badge Award and served as Scout Master of the Bountiful 25th Ward.

He worked for several years in retail pharmacy in Utah and California before joining Holy Cross Hospital in 1974 as a staff pharmacist. He served as President of the Utah Society of Hospital Pharmacists (USHP) in 1976-77.

He is survived by his sons, James T. (Julie) Francis, Mark C. (Cathy Bohner) Francis, Eric S. (Tina) Francis, and daughter Claudia (David) Wilson. One brother, Gary M. (Norene) Francis, Sisters-in-law, LaVon Newbold Francis, Mariana Huish Francis. He leaves 17 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. James was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Velma, and two brothers, Earl and Gene Francis.

A private graveside service will be held at the South Morgan Cemetery, where he will be buried next to his eternal companion.

Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary.