David James French passed away unexpectedly on Monday September 28, 2015. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri on June 26, 1942 to Martha and Philip French and was the youngest of three brothers, survived by Bill and John French. He met his wife, Susan Walp of 47 years at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. They married on November 11, 1967 in Fairfax, Virginia and lived in California, before spending the last 30 years together in Phoenix, Arizona, raising their four children: Amy, Katy, William, and David. When Jim wasn’t working, he spent his free time with his wife, children, their spouses and nine grandchildren that he loved dearly. He also enjoyed time in his garage tinkering with old cars and his woodwork and working in his gardens. He was a man of strong faith, integrity, and loyalty and will be deeply missed by his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the downtown Phoenix office of St. Vincent DePaul attn: Steve Zabilski. A Funeral Mass in celebration and remembrance of Jim’s life will be held Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 10am at St. Mary’s Basilica in downtown Phoenix. Address is 231 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85004.
Linda & Rene Wendell
Dear Susan,
We just learned of Jim’s passing from Vanessa & Ryan. We are so very sorry for your loss. You and Jim have been very special to us. You and your family will be in our prayers. We know you will be busy in the coming days – call if I can run any errands for you or do anything else to help out.
Linda
Mike McKenna
I am very sorry for your loss. Jim will be missed by all of us. Please accept my condolences
Todd Murphy
As a business friend, and calm voice in a turbulent industry, I will greatly miss my friendship with Jim. I only wish I had gotten to have him take a look at my 1958 MGA. Maybe he could have recommended some improvements. We are very sorry for your loss and will truly miss Jim.
Kristin Lunsford
I had the pleasure of working with Mr. French. He was a kind and gentle soul.
Deepest sympathy
Kristin Lunsford
Alfred Cox & Family
My condolence to the French Family.
Alfred Cox & family would like to offer a prayer of comfort;
Lord, I thank you that the French Family does not know sorrow, as one who has no hope, beacuse Jim French belived in God, and is sleeping in the arms of the Lord. We asked that you comfort the family.
Your word says, “Blessed are they that mourn;for they shall be comforted.
Matthew 5:4
Alfred Cox
Debbie Friez
I was extremely saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. I so enjoyed working with him at BurrellesLuce, where he was always willing to listen with thoughtfulness.
I have so many fond memories of my time spent with Jim. I know he will be missed by all who knew him.
I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Debbie Friez
Marcia Hogan
Dear Family:
So sorry to hear of Mr. French’s passing. I worked at Luce Press in Topeka for 27 years and saw him on occasion.
He was always pleasant and extended himself to us readily. It was nice to work at a place where we were allowed a prayer group and felt like we were more than employees.
You will all be in my prayers .
Sincerely
Marcia Hogan
Harry Grapenrhin
The French’s,
so sorry for your loss.
I had the pleasure of working with Jim over the last 5 years and always appreciated his genuine nature and sense of humor. He will be missed.
The Grapenthin Family
Paula Robinson
Dear Susan and family, the Robinson family is sending you our love and prayers during this very sad and difficult time. We will forever remember our fun and joyous times with you and Jim through the years. From our time together at parent’s weekend in Lexington, visits to Phoenix, to Rodeo in Houston. We were all blessed to have known Jim. I know your faith is strong as was Jim’s and that it will carry you through. We love you. Paula and Butch
Dan Peters
To the French Family
I was sorry to hear of Mr. French’s passing. Cheryl and I will keep him and your family in our prayers.
Dan and Cheryl Peters
Patti and Charlie Herf
Susan, Will, David, Katy and Amy
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Jim’s sudden and untimely passing. Much too young . Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. You have beautiful memories of a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Jim was always a delight to be with, chat with and a warm and graceful host at your annual gathering. He will be missed by many. If there is anything we can do for the French family please let us know.
Patti and Charlie Herf
tom martosko
Very saddened to hear of Mr. French’s passing. I worked at the Mesa location over 14 years and know how well liked and respected he was with the employees. His presence and guidance had a very calming affect on the staff. He’ll be missed. My condolences and peace to the family.
Lindsay Bailey
Terribly sorry to hear of your loss. My prayer is for the Holy Spirit to bless you as your mourn as He promised. That you would feel God’s love more than ever going forth. Mr. French left a great legacy and he lives on in the presence of the One who loves him deeply in heaven. Blessing to your entire family.
Bruce & Mary Jane Utterback
Susan, John, Bill & all the French’s family –
Jim’s sudden passing is a shock. We know he lived as a man of faith & hope in Jesus. May God comfort your souls as you cherish memories of this special man.
Diana Sun & Ben Wieser
Dearest Susan,
Ben and I want to give you our deepest sympathies and condolences for Jim’s passing. Words can never replace the feelings you have right now but we hope that our love and support can offer you some solace in knowing that you are not alone in your grief. We hope that your many memories will bring you comfort and remembering the love you shared with Jim.
All our love and support,
Diana and Ben
Seth Wagoner
Offering our deepest sympathies and condolences. We hope that the entire French family finds comfort in the coming days and months.
All our best,
Seth Wagoner and Cody Foster
Aim Strategies LLC Topeka
Karen and Ed Winkler
Dear Susan and family,
We just heard of Jim’s passing…our deepest sympathy and condolences are with you all. Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers! May your loving memories console you in your grief journey! Hugs, The Winklers
Catherine Amiot and Peter Liefer
Dearest Susan and Family,
Peter and I were deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s sudden passing. Although nothing can prepare us for such a shocking loss, your strong faith and belief that you will be reunited with Jim for eternity must surely be of comfort to you at this time. Know that Peter and I and your many friends at Mission of Mercy are holding you and your family close to our hearts and center in our prayers during this difficult time. Wishing you comfort and peace.
Sharon Miller
Dear French Family,
My heart goes out to you, Susan and French family! Prayers to you as you sort out this new change in your lives. Will you be comforted in knowing that you will one day be united. Until then, keep the memories you’ve built and shared fresh in your mind.
Jim was a true gentleman and a great person to work with! I always felt comfortable talking and sharing my thoughts with him. His sense of humor, intelligence and reasoning will be truly missed!
Love & prayers!
Miller Family
Charles Bentzin
My condolences to all of you on the passing of Jim . I remember Jim as a vital and active person.
It has been some time since I have been in touch with his brothers Bill and John. I would appreciate it if you would ask each of them to contact me at 602-234-1348 in Phoenix.
Thank you very much.
Charles Bentzin
Jim & Lori Boyd
My dear Susan and Family…you’ve been constantly in our prayers and on our hearts since the news reached us of Jim’s passing. So glad that NOTHING can separate us from the Love of God in Christ Jesus. All the same, your grieving must be profound.
Wrapping our arms around you…and weeping too.
Jim & Lori Boyd
Gail Dean
Dear Susan and family,
Your loss is great, and I am so sorry.
May the Lord bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Keeping you in prayer.
Gail Dean
jennie walton
From Jennie and Sally Walton Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences. May the Lord give you great peace and Love during this difficult time.
John Hassig
Dear Susan, Amy and family: I am so very sorry to hear about Jim. I know this must be an incredibly difficult time for you, and I know Jim will be missed dearly. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. It’s hard to believe it was almost 30 years ago that you (Susan) recommended I apply to W&L. A year later, I realized you practiced what you preached when Amy arrived in Lexington. Amy and I became close friends and you and Jim became like a second family, making a point to see me each time you were in Virginia. Your kindness has continued in the many years since then, and although we don’t see each other often, we pick up right where we left off when we do, and I will always consider you good friends and be thankful for our friendship. I will remember Jim as a good, kind family man, and I know that he will be with you in spirit for the rest of your lives, watching out for you like he always has. Kind personal regards, John Hassig