James Thomas Francis' Obituary
James Thomas Francis, 77, of Vermilion, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
He was born on December 6, 1948, in Wooster, Ohio, to James and Mary Josephine “Mary Jo” Francis. Jim’s father passed away when he was 8 years old, and he and his mom moved to Lorain, Ohio, in 1957, where his mom met Loredo T. Campana, whom she married in 1962. Jim started third grade at Lorain St. Mary’s and later graduated from high school there in 1966. After high school, Jim attended St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana, and graduated in 1970.
Jim was known for his faith, strong work ethic, dedication, and love for his family. He was a career educator and found joy in helping students achieve their educational goals in school and in life. Jim got his start in teaching at Amherst St. Joseph’s while also working part-time as a sportswriter for the Lorain Morning Journal. He spent most of his career at Lorain Catholic High School, teaching and coaching. Outside the classroom, Jim enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports and had a love for all Cleveland professional sports teams.
He is survived by his wife Carrie Francis, of 50 years; children, Christy Francis (significant other, Brandon Smith) and Jimmy Francis (wife, Stacey); grandchildren, Maggie Vernon (fiancé, Joe Green) and James and Zoie; and stepsisters, Diane (nee Campana) Murphy (husband, Mike) and Jean Campana.
In addition to his parents and stepfather, Jim was preceded in death by his stepbrother, Anthony Campana.
He will be deeply missed by friends and lovingly remembered by family.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral &Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. Closing prayers will be said on Wednesday, April 29th at 9:15 a.m. in the funeral center. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 309 W. 7th. Street, Lorain. Rev. Father Daniel Divis, Pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest contributions be made in memory of James, to The St. Mary’s Food Pantry or Second Harvest.
Online condolences may be left for the family at https://www.dovinreberjones.com
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