Obituary : George M. "Jim" French
George M. “Jim” French, 87, of West Tisbury, died on January 23 at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, following complications of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
A graduate of Vermont Academy in 1941, Jim attended Dartmouth College for two years and then was called in to World War II military service. He served in the 10th Mountain Division (Colorado), the 27th Division (Okinawa), and the 11th Airborne Division (Japan).
Returning to the States, he completed the remaining two years at Dartmouth and was then employed by International Milling Co. until called back into service for the Korean War. Here he served with the Mountain Training Command out of Ft. Carson, Colo.
After discharge from military service, Mr. French began a 29-year career in sales management with Pitney Bowes, Inc., followed by three years with Heller-Mark Realty, both out of Denver, Colo. In 1981, he retired, moving to Martha’s Vineyard with his wife, Mary, a former Island resident.
A man with love of both sea and mountains, he lived where both could be enjoyed to the fullest; fishing, climbing, and camping in the Rockies with his family, and sailing with his wife and friends on the Vineyard.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Stokes French, daughter Ellen French Bunch, son-in-law Doyle L. Bunch, all of West Tisbury; grandson Brian D. Bunch of Washington D.C.; granddaughter Amanda M. Bunch of Denver, Colo.; and his sister, Carolyn F. Judson of Etna, N.H. He was predeceased by his son, Mark Wheeler French.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Memorial plans will be announced at a future date.
