James Donald French

James “Jim” Donald French, age 83, a former resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2024 in San Marcos, Texas while his son held his hand. He was born the son of Thomas J. and Margaret Lorraine (Fulkerson) French on June 20, 1941 in Trenton, Missouri. He was united in marriage to Barbara Jobson on July 31, 1971 in Chillicothe, Missouri. A sign on his door read “A fisherman lives here with the catch of his life”. Jim was a proud Santa Monica, California High School (SAMOHI) football player and alumni. He served as an air traffic controller in the United States Air Force from 1962-1964. He then earned his bachelor’s degree from Cal State Northridge and later a master’s degree and counseling certificate from University of Missouri. He retired from teaching English at Chillicothe High School for more than 25 years in 1995.

Jim will be remembered for his passionate love for coaching his track and field athletes, especially the pole vaulters, continuing to volunteer well into retirement. In his spare time, he was an avid fisherman since early childhood, voracious reader of historical fiction, enjoyed watching foreign TV drama series, and followed Chillicothe and University of Southern California (USC) sports to his last day.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara; son, Doug and daughter-in-law Dara, of Wimberley, Texas; one brother, Tom French and wife, Linda of Hermosa Beach, California; and one sister, Margaret Williams of Los Angeles, California. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Mike French and an infant brother.

A visitation will be held November 22, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. A celebration of life will be from 6-8 p.m. at Blackwater Restaurant in Chillicothe. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Chillicothe High School Track Team and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.