John Edward France, Jr.

John E. France Jr., age 73, of  New Philadelphia, Ohio, went home to be  with the Lord Monday morning, May 23, 2022 in his residence surrounded by his loving family after an 18 month battle with Leukemia. Even while going through chemo, it was noted that he  always had a joke and a smile for other patients at TriCounty Hematology and Oncology. He was strong in his faith and attended Bisel United Methodist Church.

He was born September 16, 1948 in Dover, Ohio and was the son of the late John E. France Sr. and E. Lurlene France.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Ronnie France.

John retired in 1997 as a self-employed truck driver.  He was a 1967 graduate of the former Midvale High School and fulfilled his duty to his country honorably during the Vietnam War as a member of the U.S. Army.  He served from 1967 until 1970, which included 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries sustained during his second tour of duty in Vietnam. He later served in the Army National Guard. 

One of his passions was flying ultralight aircraft, although in the beginning he had a notable difficulty with landings, which earned him the nickname "Crash".  John always placed his family first, and was a loving and devoted grandfather and great-grandfather. He was always offering to help if someone was in need. He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends including his  "guys of  the roundtable" and special ladies at the Roswell General Store where he spent many mornings.  He will always be remembered for his love of the Perry Mason television series and his habit of watching it multiple times every day, even when he had to resort to watching it on the phone while he was in the hospital.

He is survived by his wife Wilma France, whom he married March 27, 1970 in Port Washington, Ohio, his three children Mrs. Tammy (Marvin) Eggerton of Bowerston, OH, and  John E. (Vicki) France III  and Brenda France, both of  New Philadelphia, OH, a  brother, Jimmy (Mary Ann) Conner of Newcomerstown, OH, his twin sister Bonnie Jenkins of Dover, OH,  and sister Mrs. Connie (Titus) Miller of New Philadelphia, OH, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. in the  Bisel United Methodist Church located at 3108 Bisel Church Road N.E., Dover, OH  with  Pastor Roger Warnes officiating.  The Baxter-Gardner Funeral Home in Sherrodsville is handling arrangements.  To leave an online condolence message please visit the funeral home website.

Baxter-Gardner
(740) 269-9225
www.baxtergardner.com

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