Captain Jeffrey Lee "Jeff" Francis, 54, died on Wednesday, February 20, 2013.
Jeff was born in Kalamazoo, Mi., on November 14, 1958 and had lived in Chattanooga for the past 38 years.
Jeff received his BRE in Missions from Tennessee Temple University and his Masters in Outdoor Education from Southern Adventist University. He served as dean of men at Tennessee Temple University and as a adjunct professor at both Tennessee Temple and Southern Adventist University. He served as chief of security at Tennessee Temple Schools for more than 15 years.
Jeff has served with the Chattanooga Police Department for the past 28 years and was currently serving as captain over patrol. He was vice president and chaplain of the Hamilton County Rescue Services and had served with law enforcement in many capacities including Lt. Of Scuba Team, President of the Tennessee Chapter of the FBINAA, homicide investigator/detective, under-cover officer, Property Crimes investigator, DUI Traffic Division investigator, instructor of Training, established and served as Lt. of the Gang Investigation Unit, Special Operation/Projects captain, captain over Patrol Division, developed and was awarded funds for CPD's B.A.D.G.E. Program for at Risk Youth in Chattanooga.
Jeff was awarded “Officer of the Year” for the CPD in 1989 and “Manager of the Year” for CPD in 2012 and the Family and Childrens Services awarded his family “Family of the Year” in 2001.
Jeff and his family hosted many international students, having instructed them in caving, outdoor sports, high angle rescue and rope work and water sports.
Jeff served as a capable instructor for both police officers and local paramedics and was EMT- Tennessee certified.
Jeff was a member of Highland Park Baptist Church for the past 38 years where he served on the board of deacons and was director of Camp Joy for two years.
Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Gail Francis; sons, Jeffrey Daniel (Darci) Francis, Benjamin Lee Francis and Christopher Lee Francis, all of Chattanooga; daughter, Kristen Marie (Harvey) Faires of Kingsand, Ga.; grandchildren, Emma, Tobin, Alise, Silas and Violet; brothers, Donald (Judi) Francis, Tim (Lorie) Francis; many nieces and nephews and all those who knew him as “Captain”.
A celebration of Jeff's life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 2:30 p.m. at Highland Park Baptist Church with Dr. David Bouler and Dr. Jeremy Roberts officiating.
The body will lie in state from 1–2:30 p.m. on Saturday at the church. Burial will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be sent to C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) at P.O. Box 3199, 846 Old S.#5, Camdenton, Mo. 65020.
Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family and view the memorial tribute.
The family will receive friends on Friday from 4-8 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.