James A. French, Jr.

James A. French, Jr., 70, passed away Friday, September 2, 2016 at his residence in Westerville, Ohio following a brief illness. He was formerly a 40+ year resident of Reynoldsburg, Jim was born March 16, 1946 in Gallipolis, Ohio to James Albert “Ab” and Marjorie (Swisher) French, both deceased. Jim was the beloved husband of 47 years to Sandra French, whom he wed on March 29, 1969 at the Cheshire Baptist Church. Jim dearly loved and was so very proud of his two sons and was “Papaw Jimmy” to five grandchildren whom he adored: James Lance (Deborah) French (Zachary, Stella and Alex) of Montgomery, Ohio and John David (Jill) French (Allison and Drew) of Westerville, Ohio. He is also survived by a sister, Karen (Clarence) Tucker of Gallipolis, Ohio and a brother Marshall (Virginia) French of Villa Rica, Georgia, an Aunt Edna French of Gallipolis, Ohio, father-in-law and mother-in-law John Oliver and Roberta Kail of Cheshire, Ohio, nieces and nephews, Melissa (Brett) Hutchinson, Gallipolis, Ohio, Michael (Kristin) Tucker, Gallipolis, Ohio, Marsha (Drew) Hook, Villa Rica, Georgia, Tara (Michael) Tallarico, Commercial Point, Ohio, Tom (Danielle) Morgan, Black Mountain, North Carolina, and several great nieces, great nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by sister-in-law Mary Kail North. Jim was a selected attendee of Buckeye Boy Sate in 1963, a 1964 graduate of Kyger Creek High School, and a 1969 graduate of The Ohio State University, earning his Bachelor of Arts and Science in Geology. During this time, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant by the ROTC in the Army Corps of Engineers. He married his childhood sweetheart upon graduation, completed engineer basic training at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia and was assigned officer in charge of the Asphalt Paving Equipment Training School at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. He served in Vietnam 1970-71 and was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor in a combat zone. Upon returning from Vietnam, Jim put his military experience and Geology degree to work, when he began employment with the Ranney Company, for whom he worked for the next 41 years, retiring in 2012. He promoted Radial Collector Wells (Ranny) technology and a founding officer of Collector Wells International. To his friends, clients, and colleagues, Jim became known as “Mr. Ranney”. He was active in many organizations, especially the American Water Works Association, promoting the responsible use of a most precious resource- water. Within the AWWA, he served as an officer and committee member on both states and national levels. He was past Chairman of the Ohio Section of the AWWA and was awarded lifetime membership and was an Honorary Member. He was also a member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists and was awarded the prestigious Fuller Award for his distinguished service and constructive leadership to the water supply industry. He was a member of the Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church and held membership at the Reynoldsburg, #340 Masonic Grand Lodge where he recently earned his 35 year membership pin. He was a thirty five year, 32nd degree Scottish Rite Valley of Columbus member and was a past member of the Scottish Rite Choir. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 9473 in Reynoldsburg, Ohio and a member of the NRA. Jim was a loyal OSU enthusiast, was a lifetime member of The Ohio State Alumni Association, a member of the “Buckeye Club” and excitedly served as an usher in “The Shoe”, portal 26-28A, with a great group of supportive co-ushers friends. He was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed fishing (especially fly fishing), golfing, and going “back home” to the family farm for “Hunting-Camp”- an annual high point with his Sugar Shack buddies. Jim loved life which aligns with his favorite motto: “Live every day as if it is your last.” Funeral service will be 11 am Thursday, September 8, 2016 at Cheshire Baptist Church with Pastor Alfred Holley officiating. His burial will follow in Gravel Hill Cemetery. Friends may call on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 from 5-8 pm at Willis Funeral Home in Gallipolis. There will be a Masonic Service at the funeral home on Wednesday at 8 pm. Military rites will be given at the graveside by the Gallia County Funeral Detail. Contributions in Jim’s memory can be made to Cheshire Baptist Church, 8047 State Rt. 7 N. Cheshire, Ohio 45620 or to Elizabeth Chapel Church 55 Locust Street Gallipolis, OH 45631. Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.