Following his service as a Survival Instructor in the United States Air Force, John Robert Francois continued his career of service by joining the California Department of Forestry (CAL FIRE) in 1959 as a firefighter. John rose quickly through the ranks; by 1962, he was a fire captain at the Flynn Springs Station where he lived and served for 28 years. “Big John”, as he was affectionately referred to, brought to the fire service a calm courage, professional demeanor and was a well-respected presence in his community. In April of 2013, John succumbed to the effects of job-related cancer. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Frances, his children, Tiffany and John, his daughter in law, Ann, and his granddaughters, Lauren, Aubrey and Gabrielle.