Francis died June 16, 2001. He jumped six seasons at Missoula after serving in the U.S. Airborne during WWII where he received the Bronze Star among many other decorations. Francis and his wife, Margaret moved to Bemidji, Minnesota in 1980 where they continued to live after his retirement from the U.S. Forest Service in l986. After cremation, his ashes were taken to Montana and spread at Lost Johnny Creek on the Flathead River. Drummers from the Blackfoot Tribe were in attendance during the ceremony.