John R. Francois

John R. “Jack” Francois
Jack Francois passed away June 6, 2022, at the age of 96. He was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin in 1926 to August and Helen Francois. He met his wife, June, in 1946 when he hired her to sing in his big band. They married in 1948, raised seven children in Green Bay, and then decided to sacrifice their Packer season tickets for warmth and moved to Arizona City. There they managed the Arizona City Country Club where they entertained on weekends.

Jack was involved in church, community and music for most of his life. His musical career began as an 11- year-old playing professional saxophone and was leading a big band at age 16. He then led bands during his Naval Officer Training 4-year stint, including the University of Notre Dame band, where he was a student for a year.

In the Casa Grande area, Jack was Eucharistic minister, lector and music leader for 30 years at St. Anthony of Padua, where he was also Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator with the Knights of Columbus. His community service included President of Arizona City Rotary, co-founder and President of Casa Grande Food Bank, President of CGUHS School Board and District Commissioner for the Boy Scouts. Jack retired in 1989 as a chartered life underwriter for New York Life Insurance.

Jack is survived by his children Karen (Kelly) Quinn, Cindy Francois (Jerry Howard), Steve (Debbie) Francois, Barbara (Lytle) Rieffer, Brian (Laura) Francois and Mary (Truett) Rosenbam. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. Jack was preceded in death by the love of his life, June, his son, Tom, and his sister, Joyce Cartwright.

A funeral mass will be held Tuesday, June 14th at 9:30 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Burial to follow at Mountain View Cemetery. A reception after burial will at the J. Warren Memory Gardens. J. Warren Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.