James E. "Jim" French, 59, of Columbia, died Monday, January 6, 2014. Born November 22, 1954 in Hamilton, New York, he was a son of the late Roy H. and Marion A. Sturveang French. Following his service in the US Air Force, James became an insurance agent. A member of Chapin United Methodist Church, James will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara Kelly French; brother, Keith (Elaine) French of Boca Raton, FL; sister, Sherri Pinkely of Ft. Walton, FL; three nieces; one nephew; four great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Kathy Webb.

The memorial service for Mr. French will be held 2 o'clock, Saturday, January 11, 2014, at Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, 5202 Colonial Dr., Columbia, with The Rev. Paul Allen officiating. Inurnment will follow at Kelly Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1 o'clock. Memorials may be made to The American Heart Association, 190 Knox Abbot Dr., Ste. 301, Cayce, SC, 29033, or The Alzheimer's Association, SC Chapter, 3223 Sunset Blvd., Ste 100, West Columbia, SC, 29169.