James G. France

James G. France (Jim), 84, devoted son/husband/father/ grandfather / friend, went home to our lord on May 24th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on February 12th, 1942, in Philadelphia, Jim was raised by June France (nee Whalen) and Anthony France. Jim graduated from Saint Gabriel’s in South Philadelphia and attended Bishop Neumann High School, class of 1960. In his professional career, Jim worked as a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Technician for 39 years and retired from Dupont’s Marshall Lab in Philadelphia.

He married his soulmate Edna M. Pollis, on August 26th, 1967. Together they raised a loving family and settled in East Lansdowne, Pa, where they lived for 42 years.

Jim’s zest for life touched all who knew him. Jim and Edna shared a wonderful marriage, love of travel, Irish heritage cultural experiences and time spent with family and friends. Jim’s storytelling prowess is renowned by all who were lucky enough to experience it. Jim’s vast breadth of knowledge was amazing, and he always shared this knowledge with a smile. He had a magnetic personality which drew people to him.

Community:

Jim France lived a life of service and was a man of great faith.

He served on East Lansdowne Borough Council for six years and followed that by serving as the mayor for sixteen years.

He was an active member of the American Legion at the Richard R. Carmichael Post. While involved with the American Legion, Jim served in many of the leadership roles including Commander and Chaplin. You would find Jim decorating the graves of veterans every Memorial Day. Jim, himself, was a proud veteran of the United States Army and served oversees as a radio operator in Germany as part of the third armored calvary in the Fulda gap.

A devoted Catholic, Jim was a member of the Santa Anna Council at Saint Cyril of Alexandria. He ascended to Grand Knight and served as a trustee. He was very active in Saint Cyril’s parish, serving as a Eucharistic minister for the church and assisting with fundraising efforts. Jim and Edna became involved with Marriage Encounter on their tenth wedding anniversary and later served as regional coordinators. When Saint Cyril’s was initially slotted for closure, Jim was instrumental and met monthly with the Independence Mission Schools, to keep the school open. Ralph J. Roberts, founder of Xfinity, and their employees worked alongside parishioners to improve the school.

Jim was a long-time member of the Woodland String Band as well as a member of the Greater Wildwood Elks organization. He was the only Elk in recent memory that won the pinochle championship back-to-back.

Jim was a diehard fan of Notre Dame. He was a season ticket holder of the Philadelphia Eagles from the days at Franklin Field through Lincoln Financial Field. Jim loved the Phillies and enjoyed following the Philadelphia Flyers. You could also find him watching the big five with Villanova being his favorite team. Jim coached baseball for the 69th Street Athletic Association as well as a soccer coach for Saint Cyril’s.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and June France, brothers Martin and John France and his grandson Gabriel France.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Edna France; Children, Gregory France (Terri), Jeanine McGillian (Bill), Karen Curran (Neil), Jane Ellen France (John Alcorn); grandchildren; Alexis Quarles (Nathanial), Tara France, Bennett France, Kayleigh McGillian, Liam McGillian, Mikayla McGillian, Katie Jane Curran, Emma Curran, Colin Curran, Luke Alcorn, Susie Alcorn; Sibling; Joseph France (Rosemary), his in-laws along with many nieces and nephews.

Service details: Services will be held on Saturday, June 13th, 2026, at Nativity BVM Roman Catholic Church, 30 East Franklin Street, Media, Pa 19063. Visitation is from 9-11, followed by a memorial mass at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate  or Tunnels to Tower, https://t2t.org/donate/.