Francine Merilee James, 94, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019, at the Prairie Manor Care Center in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota.

Francine Merilee Jochumsen was born Dec. 5, 1924, in Oakland, Minnesota, to Arnold and Anna (Nelsen) Jochumsen. She graduated in 1942 from Austin High School. Francine married Charles James on Nov. 21, 1944. She worked at George A. Hormel Co. until she retired, after which she and Charles enjoyed spending many winters in Arizona. Francine enjoyed playing golf, going to casinos and playing cards with her many siblings, family and friends. She was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles, in 2008; son, Ronald; five brothers; and four sisters. Francine is survived by her son, Steven (Barbara) James, Austin; daughter, Paulette (David) Schwartz, Audubon, Minnesota; four grandchildren, Kelley (Andy) King, Fargo, North Dakota, Jeffrey Schwartz, Fargo, Ryan (Kate) James, Waconia, Minnesota, and Nicholas James, Las Vegas, Nevada; six great-grandchildren; sister, Erlys (Dick) Goslee, Byron, Minnesota; and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019, at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary with the Rev. Mark Van House officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service on Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery.