James Paul Francom

James Paul Francom passed away on January 25, 2025 at his home in Evanston, Wyoming. He was born 29th of August 1957 in Ogden, Utah, a son of Paul Marcus Francom and Eleanor Clay Francom. He lived in Ogden until moving to Mountain Green at age 8. He was the oldest of three children including his brother Jade and sister Shawna.

James graduated from Morgan High School in 1975. His mother passed away two days after his graduation in a car accident. James worked in a pineapple field in Lanai, Hawaii the summer after he graduated, then at a few other jobs before joining the Air Force Reserves. He spent time in basic training in Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, then to Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi for specialized avionics communications specialist training. He later started a career as an Air Reserve Technician as an electronic specialist at Hill Air Force Base in Layton, Utah. He transferred to Youngstown Ohio Air Force Base for a few years. James returned to Hill Air Force Base for several years until he was sent to work at Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan for 8 ½ years.

James was married to Kathleen Farr in 1978, and they had two sons, Paul James Francom and Jason Lee Francom. They later divorced. Just before he moved to Okinawa, he married Merrillee Coburn in 1989 and added her two children, Mindee Lee Kraus and Karl Dean Kraus to his family.

When the family returned from Okinawa in 1998, they decided to settle in Evanston, Wyoming. He returned to Hill Field Air Force Base as a computer network administrator until 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 added modifications to. 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 spouses Jason (Vanessa), Mindee (Zack) and Karl (Katie); 9 grandchildren Talon, Gavin (Kate), Jayden, Caden, Colton, Keylie, McKinlee, Jake and Rylee; 1 great-grandchild Octavia and his siblings Jade (Shelly) and Shawna (Chad). 

He is preceded in death by his parents and son, Paul.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 2 P.M. at the Deweyville Cemetery. A light luncheon to follow at the Deweyville Church.

Go With God James. GWG