James Herwythe Franchebois

James “Jim” Franchebois

James (Jim) Herwythe Franchebois, age 81, of Lake Forest Park, Washington, passed peacefully on September 19th, 2018, in the care of his loved ones.

Jim was born in Church Point, Louisiana on March 6th, 1937, the eldest of five children born to Vorris Franchebois and Lena (Lyons) Franchebois. He grew up speaking French in Opelousas, Louisiana, and had to learn English when he started school. After graduating from the 8th grade, he attended seminary in Lafayette for 3 years before returning to school and graduating with his class.

Shortly after graduation in 1955, Jim enlisted with the United States Navy and served until 1966 (10.5 years). His service took him to Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and included patrols around North Korea and Vietnam while stationed on the USS Hull (DD-945).

In 1960, Jim married his first wife, Shirley, in Bremerton, WA. Their son Leonard was born in 1962. Following his discharge from the Navy, they moved to Seattle, where Jim found work at Boeing Plant 2. He later worked at the Everett plant, where he stayed until his retirement in 1995.

While attending a social function in 1974, a beautiful woman walked into the room. Jim told his friend “that’s the one for me!” and after getting up his courage, he asked her to dance. After two years of courtship, Jim married June Evangeline (Wells) Pintler, on December 11th, 1976. They were happily married for 40 years until her death on August 29, 2016.

In his spare time, Jim enjoyed working in his garden, going for drives and road trips, and spending time with his family. Jim is also fondly remembered by generations of local children for the 22 years he worked as “Santa Jim” through the Christmas season in Lake Forest Park. His wife June would often join him as Mrs. Claus.

Jim (“Papa”) is greatly missed by his family, neighbors, and friends. He is survived by his younger sisters Marie Richards, Rita McCormick (with husband Floyd), Carol Chachere, Vicki DeMarcy (with husband Bo), his son Leonard and wife Cora, grandchildren Rhian and James, stepchildren Larry Pintler (with wife Barbara), Diane (Pintler) Brumble (with husband Kim), and Jodi (Pintler) Pierce (with husband Jeff), grandchildren Amie-June Brumble (with husband Tyler)  and Jason Brumble (with wife Ilana), great-grandchildren Gareth, Ezrie and Keira, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and many other beloved relatives.

A service for Jim will be held on Wednesday, October 10th at 11:00 AM at Saint Mark Catholic Church, 18033 15th Place NE, Shoreline, WA. A reception will follow. Interment will be at Holyrood Cemetery, alongside his beloved wife June.

The life story of June Franchebois is also available HERE:

June Franchebois