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BORN
1928
DIED
2017
Jim French Obituary
James Rowley (Jim) French passed away peacefully at his home on December 20, 2017 with his daughter at his side. He was 89 years old.
Jim was born September 23, 1928 to James and Mabelle (Rowley) French in Pasadena, California, where he grew up and attended school. Jim joined the U.S. Army in 1945, and was stationed in Japan where he was assigned to the Armed Forces Radio Services in the city of Kokura. After he returned Jim attended Pasadena City College, where he met and became engaged to Patricia Anne Soule. They wed June 17, 1950 and were married 66 years, until Pat's death in 2017. They had two children, Leslie Anne and James Forrest French.
From the time Jim was a small boy, he was fascinated with radio. Over a career of more than 70 years, Jim touched many lives through his work as a radio personalty in Southern California, Hawaii and Seattle. He was the writer, producer and director of Imagination Theater, and the creator of "The Adventures of Harry Nile" "Dameron" and "Kincaid, the Strange Seeker," and "The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes." Jim spent his life doing what he loved, and his audio drama legacy will live on in his body of work for years to come.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Leslie Anne (Lee Anne) French of Elma, WA, son James Forrest (Jeff) French of Seattle, WA; four grandchildren: Olivia Dugenet of Spokane, WA, Shannon (Dugan) Patterson of Hoquiam, WA, and Christopher and Nicholas Dugan, both of Portland, OR., and 6 great-grandchildren.
He was proud of his family and dearly loved them.
A memorial service will be held for Jim Saturday January 13, 2018 at the South Bellevue Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,
15205 SE 28th St, Bellevue, Washington, at 10:00 AM.
Donations can be made in Jim's name to Seattle Humane Society in Bellevue, WA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jim French
Sponsored by The Family.
Pat Duigon
December 28, 2024
I can't believe it is another year since Jim's passing. Time does certainly go faster as you grow older. I do have a lot of the shows that I purchased on my computer and listen to them often. We do miss you, Jim and Pat.
Becky
December 27, 2024
So many years have gone Jum and his wife's passing but I still order Harry Nile audible books and have been listening to them for over 30 years. Not sure i could sleep at night without my Harry Nile! From cassette tapes to cds and now to audible books, I will continue to listen !
Being from Seattle originally it will always be a staple for me!
pat duigon
December 29, 2023
Another year has gone since Jim's passing, but the new entries in all the varied series are just great, and are in the true spirit that started with Jim and Pat and their vision. We follow every week on YouTube. Lee & Pat Duigon Metuchen NJ
Gary L Mercer
July 6, 2023
I met Mr French around 1968 through another fellow, like me an Old Time Radio show collector. I enjoyed all his radio programs he created, and still listen to several hundred I have in my collection. I hope Jim is still entertaining others in Heaven
Pat Duigon
December 27, 2022
More time has passed since Jim left us, but his work will be remembered. His kindness to me, when I called Imagination Theater to ask a question, was just wonderful. I was so thrilled to actually be speaking to Jim! And Larry, too. He was truly one of a kind--a peerless writer and so productive.
We miss Jim and Pat and will continue to do so. Fortunately his work lives on now and we are listening to the IT programs on Youtube. Regards Lee and Pat Duigon Metuchen NJ
Anthony V Thompson
August 26, 2020
As a Minnesotan, I knew of Jim French through his work on Imagination Theater for many years. He wrote many of the radio plays and they were uniformly excellent and entertaining. 'Jim French Productions' was (and is) a mark of quality.
December 17, 2018
To the family of Mr. Jim French,
I would like to express my sincere condolences for the loss of Mr. French.
May the Most High God strengthen your family during this difficult time of sorrow. Please find comfort in Psalms 145:18, 19 promise that "he is near to all those calling on him."
Sincerely,
RK
December 17, 2018
Please accept my deepest and heartfelt condolences for your loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family for many more years to come. Isaiah 61:1, 2
Bob Peters
November 3, 2018
I always enjoyed listening to Jim French when he was with KIRO radio. He always seem to give KIRO its personality.
I had the pleasure of attending one of his Harry Nile recording sessions with some of my family members and will always remember it. He will be missed by many, but part of him will remain with us through his work.
My belated condolences.
Ray Krutsinger
October 20, 2018
Dear Lord God, Father Almighty and Powerful, we thank you for sharing Jim French with us ....
Chris Cunning ham
April 22, 2018
I had the pleasure of speaking with Mr French on a radio talk show here in Mn. He was so kind, and seemed truly humble toward his fans.
His work brought me so much pleasure on many Saturday nights as I lie in the dark knowing about his characters.
I know too that he has been a devoted husband and family man who dearly loved his life and work.
I send my sympathy and gratitude to his family, wishing them peace and comfort in their time of sorrow.
Chris Cunningham
Becky Cedergreen
February 16, 2018
I have listened to every Harry Nile CD and have every single one. I am so very sad of your loss..30 years of wonderful entertainment Him and pat have given me. Please think of keeping the legacy going. I can not live with out Harry and Murphy...:0)
M Chorlton
January 15, 2018
I wish I gotten to tell him I appreciated all the joy he brought to me through his wonderful vocal talent. I only hope he knew how much his fans looked up to him. He will be very missed.
Anne Baker
January 11, 2018
Thank you to both your parents for the entertaining and interesting creation of the Harry Nile character. I have enjoyed every episode . They will both be missed. Murphy and Harry - THE BEST
Adam B.
January 8, 2018
I first listened to Jim French on KIRO's Mystery Playhouse as a kid and that was the start of my interest in radio drama. Jim's Sherlock shows were the best, recognized so by the Doyle estate. So much creativity, we'll miss you but you're legacy will be with us forever.
Chris Grey
January 6, 2018
I will miss him. He played some of my favorite characters in gaming. I enjoyed every single one of his characters. I hope he's having fun in heaven.
January 6, 2018
Jim, you will be missed, but we will continue to enjoy your work which has brought so much pleasure to us and many others.
Lee & Pat Duigon
Metuchen NJ
Karleen
January 4, 2018
I was a fan of Midday. Jim French had a special style, perfect for hosting a radio show. Coincidentally, while driving and trying to find a radio channel in the car this past week, I mentioned to my husband, "Radio sure could use a show like Jim French's Midday."
D T
January 3, 2018
If there's a radio in heaven, we might hear Jim French.
January 3, 2018
Sending many thoughts of comfort. May God supply the comfort and healing you need. Isaiah 61:1,2
Debby Kroll
January 2, 2018
I am sorry for your loss. I listen to old time radio daily but it was your dad and his work that got me hooked years ago with Harry Nile. Just listened to one today. I had always wanted to go see a taping in person. Sadly I never made it. Forever a huge fan.
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