Jacob Adam Francis

Francis, Jacob Jacob Adam Francis, age 31, passed away in Cedar Springs, MI on Monday, February 23, 2015 as a result from a long battle with testicular cancer. Jake was born on October 18, 1983 in Grand Rapids, MI, the son of Steve Francis and Mona (Slater) Francis. He grew up in the Northview community with his parents and siblings, Jason and Kellee. Jake graduated from Northview High School in 2002. He was always a strong competitor, earning all-conference honors for defensive-end on the football team. He was also an active member of the wrestling and track & field teams. Jake furthered his education at Grand Rapids Community College. He earned an Associates degree in arts as well as his Licensed Practical Nurse certificate in 2006. He later returned to GRCC to obtain his Associates degree in nursing, graduating in 2012. Jake met his wife, Kelly, in high school. They began their courtship in 2004 and were married in Grand Rapids, MI on May 26, 2007. They later renewed their vows on March 11, 2014 on Treasure Island Beach, FL. They welcomed their twins, Evan and Avery, to the world on August 22, 2014. Jake began his nursing career at St. Ann's Home in Grand Rapids, MI in 2007. He would transition to a medical supervisor role at Biolife Plasma Services in Kentwood, MI in 2008. He honorably accepted a registered nurse position on the NICU in Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI in 2012, and would finish his nursing career in this position. He was a very talented and compassionate nurse and wonderful team-player. He always wore a smile and spread his positive attitude wherever he went. Jake was very involved with his family and friends. He loved being an uncle to his nieces and nephews. Jake continued to spread his love for the game of football in adulthood by assistant coaching his nephews' team in Cedar Springs this past fall. Jake loved to vacation with his wife. Their favorite travel spot was in central Florida to visit Jake's grandma LoVern. His greatest memories with his friends include UofM football and Detroit Tigers games, camping trips, poker games and cookouts in the summertime. Jake was known to have a quick wit and sensational sense of humor. He was a man who did not know the meaning of giving up, and his perseverance through many adversities throughout his life was an inspiration to many. He was a loving husband and father, a wonderful son, a caring brother, a warm-hearted uncle, a concerned grandson, and a devoted friend. He will be greatly missed. Jake leaves his beloved wife Kelly and his son Evan of Cedar Springs; his father Steve Francis of Kent City; and his mother Mona Francis of Grand Rapids. He also leaves his brother Jason Doncis and his wife Lisa of Cedar Springs, his sister Kim Wagner and her husband Brent of Pickwick, IL; and his sister Kellee Vanderveen and her husband Randy of Comstock Park. He is also survived by his mother and father in-law, Mark and Wanda Mundwiler of Rockford; and his sister-in-law Lindsey Clingen and her husband Nate of Grand Rapids. He also leaves many aunts, uncles, and cousins; nieces, nephews, and friends. Jake was predeceased by his daughter Avery; paternal grandparents Donald Francis and LoVern Francis; and maternal grandparents Arthur and Doris Slater. A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, February 28 at Sunshine Community Church in Grand Rapids, MI. His family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcares.com. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in memory of Jacob Francis to Mercy Health Lacks Cancer Center in Grand Rapids, MI, C/O Saint Mary's Foundation, 200 Jefferson SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or by visiting www.doranfoundation.org/JFmemorial. "When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live." -Stuart Scott