In Memory

Jo French - Class Of 1951

Jo French

Jo French

October 25, 1933 - September 12, 2016

Devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Jo Watson French, Sr. 82, passed peacefully in Oregon. Jo was born in New York City and attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, earning a bachelor degree in mechanical engineering in 1955 by way of an NROTC scholarship. He then served as a Naval aviator from 1955 to 1963. He married Iris in 1963 and together raised their children in southern California before retiring to Ashland in 2002.

While living in Ashland Jo continued is community service, becoming a member of the Kiwanis and American Legion organizations. His service in Kiwanis included the responsibilities of secretary, treasurer, and president. He was at the forefront in arranging donations from Kiwanis to Ashland High School's Student Services Emergency Fund, responsible for providing school supplies for students in financial need. In a display of his core values of community and patriotism, he was instrumental in securing the services of biplane pilot Mike 
Burrill to continue the tradition of flyovers for the City of Ashland's Memorial Day observance.

Jo is survived by his brother, Tony French (SPHS '54); wife, Iris; daughter, Allison; sons, Jo and Brian; daughter-in-law Becky; his grandchildren, Haley and Christopher; as well as his niece and two nephews and their families. He and Iris enjoyed 53 years of marriage together.