James France, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend passed away suddenly on February 3, 2025, at home, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion. He is survived by his wife, Laila, his son, Kyle, his father, Richard, and his half-brother, Rich. He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia, and his brother, John.
James found immense joy in spending time with his family and friends, forming deep and lasting bonds with all those around him. He was deeply devoted to and fiercely protective of his family, and they were the center of his life. His love for his son, Kyle, was beyond measure. They shared not only the father son bond, but the camaraderie of best friends, bound by love, faith, and shared devotion. James took great pride in teaching Kyle the values that had shaped his life, including the richness of their shared Catholic faith. Laila is the love of his life, and he often spoke of the joy, calm, and peace she brought into his life and into their home. He looked forward to family vacations and experiencing the peaceful beauty of Lake Placid.
James’ professional network spanned the globe and included some of the most successful people in the world, including royalty. His colleagues admired him not only for his intelligence and accomplishments but for his kindness, humility, and integrity. He built lasting relationships based on respect and trust, and his guidance and wisdom left a lasting impact on all who knew him. His colleagues often spoke of his generosity of spirit and he was known for the incredible stories he shared from his life’s experiences—adventures and encounters that spanned continents, bringing laughter, awe, and inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to hear them.
Above all, James’ heart was anchored in his Catholic faith. A devoted son of God, he prayed the rosary daily with his family, taught his son the richness of the faith, and held a deep love for the Blessed Mother. His devotion to the Brown Scapular and the Miraculous Medal was a testament to his unwavering trust in Our Lady. The Traditional Latin Mass was a source of profound grace in his life, strengthening his faith and shaping his days.
A viewing will be held at Fred H. McGrath & Son on Monday, February 10, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. A Traditional Latin Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Church on Tuesday, February 11, at 9:45 AM.
In honor of James’ deep Marian devotion, we recall these words inscribed on the Miraculous Medal: “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”
May he rest in the eternal peace of Christ, embraced by the love of Our Lady, whom he so deeply cherished.
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Linda Romagnoli says
February 6, 2025 at 11:51 amWe are so very sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers. May you all find some comfort in happy memories and in knowing he rests at peace in the loving arms of his Creator.
Familia Noriega Atala says
February 11, 2025 at 9:45 amDep James
Resignación a la familia
Christopher Condon says
February 6, 2025 at 12:19 pmLaila, Kyle, I am so sorry for your loss, I know though that James is praying for you and for all of us now, May God grant him his eternal reward in Heaven. Sending much love to you all and prayers. Your family’s faith is an example to us all. May James rest in eternal peace and May God Bless you immensely
Laila says
February 7, 2025 at 7:05 pmThank you 🙏🏻
Mireille Rosselli says
February 6, 2025 at 5:22 pmIt was a joy to know Mr. James Madison France. His class and intelligence were his defining traits from my point of view as his colleague. His memory will be eternal through his beautiful wife and son. May you find the strength to go through this difficult time. God bless and protect you.
Elena Figueroa says
February 6, 2025 at 9:38 pmLaila and Kyle,
You are all in my prayers. James will be truly missed, not only by adults, but also by all the kids whose heart he touched. It is going to be difficult seeing the pew he shared with his beautiful wife, Laila, while his devoted son served mass every Sunday.
James was a very special man who loved playing online games with Kyle and his friends, always bringing happiness to their hearts.
I will miss his devotion to spreading happiness.
Eternal rest grant to him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the soul of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen
Charlie says
February 6, 2025 at 10:02 pmDearest Kyle and Laila,
Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of an amazing man, husband, and father. When I heard the news, I was shocked and faced with the reality that none of us know our end.
I will never forget the first time I saw him come to mass with our whole family in the Church we have come to call home, and knew right away he desired in his heart to be closest to his family, just as Saint Joseph was to Our Lord and his Blessed Virgin Spouse. He was so good and slow to act, and that good shines especially bright in Kyle.
I deeply regret that I am unable to attend due to my current duties up north, but please know of my prayers for your mourning that you will be comforted by Christ who mourns with you, and for James to intercede for us all. He was a man of God, of family, and of quiet and humble diligence. Of everyone I have ever met, he replicates Saint Joseph more than anyone else.
I am always here for you guys for whatever you need. I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
With all the love in my heart,
+JMJ+
Charlie
Neil Kleinman says
February 7, 2025 at 1:16 pmTo James’, and his family. Since meeting him through business in White Plains, 2012 – we became instant friends. We always had intellectually stimulating discussions on a host of business deals, world issues and life. Obviously he deeply loved his son Kyle. James was the person I’d call when there was the most interesting situation had presented itself, and i needed a sounding board or resources to move the idea or project along. Noone that I know could build a excel spreadsheet like James France ! He had a wonderful charm and demeanor that made him a wonderful friend and person to know. Condolences to his extended family and friend network. May he rest in peace.
David Eilenberg says
February 7, 2025 at 1:39 pmMy deepest condolences. James was taken way too soon. He was an immensely talented man and in reflection of the short time we had with James, what stood out most was how he developed close relationships with his colleagues. He not only was there to help anyone and everyone, he had the charming personality to bring people together and left a strong lasting connection which was reflected in how people spoke about him well after he moved on. The accomplishments and memories of moments with James will transcend his time here. James, rest in peace.
Brian Rockowitz says
February 7, 2025 at 2:44 pmHeart breaking to say the least. I only have a few memories, but they are very fond memories of James from when we attended events together. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
Prof. Rodrigo Alexandre Gomes de Oliveira says
February 7, 2025 at 3:01 pmI just can not believe this horrible news. James was a great person and a great friend. Not was, he still is, and will ever be. I just refuse to believe that it happened. I’ve met James a long time ago when I lectured at a Family Office event. He came to talk to me after my lecture and we became friends since. I am extremely sorry to hear that. I just still can not believe it. Please receive my deepest condolences.
Katie Siemers says
February 8, 2025 at 9:30 amLaila, Rick and I are devastated about the loss of James. We remember our family gatherings so fondly. It wasn’t enough, and we were looking forward to more time together. We pray for you, Kyle, and the repose of his soul. May he rest in heavenly peace.
Alex Andrawes says
February 8, 2025 at 3:34 pmJames is an extra special friend, amazing business partner and even more amazing friend. I’ve never met anyone like him. My sincerest condolences to Kyle and Laila, James’ true pride and joy. It is an honor to have known James and he is a treasured memory for many people he has touched.
Dan Connor says
February 9, 2025 at 10:21 amI just learned about the passing of James. So sorry to learn of the news and I extend my condolences to James’ family and dear friends. I had the good fortune to have worked with him over time. He was a really impressive person in many areas – business acumen, intellectual bandwidth, emotional intelligence, caring and the impressive effort he put into his relationships with all social strata. All those lucky enough to associate with him felt the same way. He will be sorely missed but shared memories of him will survive. Rest in peace James
Jordan Walker-Pearlman says
February 9, 2025 at 4:43 pmI am still staggered and processing this news. James just visited with me in Los Angeles a few months ago and we talked as much about the future as the past and a planned trip to Burgundy. I was happy to have known him for more than 12 years and in that time he was one of the few people who managed to live and grow without losing a sense of innocent joy at the simplest things. That is the spirit with which he will continue to reside in my heart and as I think of him. Love, Strength, and Prayer-Jordan
Wendy Craft says
February 9, 2025 at 7:23 pmTo James’s Family- he was so very loved, so caring and such a positive influence on so many. Know he spoke about you often and loved you so much
Jahnavi K Mewar says
February 10, 2025 at 10:47 amMy dearest darling Number 1.5,
You were not only an exceptionally loved friend whom I thought of as family; but also my unwavering support system. There has never been a moment where you didn’t make me feel happy, cared for and loved. I can’t fathom the reality of never seeing you again, sharing giggles, stories and many inside jokes. I think of you and my eyes well up still. NY will never be the same again. I miss you terribly. I loved you, admired you and cherished you immensely. My heart is heavy with the thought of Laila & Kyle and I will always be there for them ♥️ you are eternally ours, we are eternally yours, Jahnavi Kumari Mewar
You live in our hearts now.
Andy Smith says
February 10, 2025 at 12:02 pmThis is as shocking as it is sad. I worked with James within a tight-knit think tank and band of brothers who kept in touch for years even after that short time. Morgan Stanley, the United Nations and I’m sure many more organizations and people will miss James dearly
Marguerite Soeteman-Reijnen says
February 11, 2025 at 9:16 amMy deepest condolences to Laila, Kyle and family.
James will be dearly dearly missed also by his friends around the globe.. He was smart, humble and funny. His insights provided value and wisdom. He was a beacon of stability. May he rest in peace. Laila and Kyle, Wishing you lots of strength. You are all in my prayers.
Isabelle and Alejandro Santamaria says
February 11, 2025 at 4:44 pmIt’s with a great sadness that Isabelle and I read this sad news. We send our deepest condolences to James’s family, Laila and Kyle. We remember our time in New York in 2008-2009 as if it happened last year.
I just wanted to share a story also. I played golf once in New York with James. James did not play frequently at all, nonetheless during that golf outing he managed to score the most spectacular and the only hole-in-one I have ever seen in my life.
We hope you find the courage to go through this difficult time and may God guide you going forward.
Lo sentimos mucho Laila. Un abrazo.
Sincerely,
Ernest James Lupinacci says
February 17, 2025 at 12:05 amI just heard about James’s passing, and my heart is broken for all of you.
James and I met years ago, and his friendship has always been a gift – I always prized our calls, meetings, and conversations. He was always full of great ideas, positive energy, and infectious optimism.
It’s so hard to imagine a world without him.
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