FRANCIS, James Taurence (JT)

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, Arizona, Wednesday, January 29, 2014 James Taurence (JT) Francis passed away on December 15, 2013 in Payson, AZ after a long illness. He was 75. JT was born to Terence and Mae (Myers) Francis of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Geology and Geography from Hofstra University. JT started his career as an elementary teacher in Barstow, CA; he subsequently worked 15 years with Students Support Services at NAU as a Recruitment and Retention Specialist and retired from NAU as a Disability Support Services Coordinator in 2003. JT never let his physical challenges in life define who he was. He was a caring, civic and community-minded person. He was passionate about helping students succeed. He was passionate about his music. He owned three retail businesses. JT helped others his entire life. As President of the Flagstaff Stingrays Swim Team, Inc., he enrolled the largest number of minority swimmers in the state of Arizona and hired the first paraplegic coach in the United States. He then worked with USA Swimming, Inc. to change the rulebook regarding disabled coaches. JT was preceded in death by his father and mother. He is survived by his daughter, Holly Francis-Merritt and five grandchildren (Noelle, Bianca, Christian, Aaron, and Zoe) all from New York, several cousins, an extended family, and long-time friends. Donations made be made in JT’s honor and in celebration of his life to the NAU Foundation “Susanna Maxwell Award for Community Connections,” Fund 01340. This award is made to a NAU student who has documented volunteer experiences that enhance the positive quality of life for members of the northern Arizona community. This obituary was prepared by the Advertising Department (928) 556-2279.