James H. French Jr.

James French, Jr., known and beloved as Frenchy, was born to the late Ida Jean Jones and James H. French, Sr. in Brooklyn, New York, the eldest of three sons. He moved to Albany, New York at a young age and left school at the age of thirteen to care for his two brothers after the death of his Mom, but you would never have known it from his manner and speech. This, however, instilled in him the goal of a college education for his 3 children; a goal which he did achieve.

Da had many jobs over the years, including working at the dry-cleaners (which is why his pants always had to be creased properly); Allegheny Ludlum Steel; before becoming one of the first African-American bus drivers at Capital District Transit Authority in March 1963, where he worked until his retirement in January 1994. James was a hard-working man who would supplement his income with part-time jobs, including garbage collection on Saturdays; much to the embarrassment of his young children, but definitely to their benefit. We would say later in life that Dad never worked an 8 hour day in his life – except on Saturdays.

Along the way Da met and fell in love with Elnora Stone. They married on May 21, 1950 and were together for 55 years until her passing in 2004. They had 3 children: Linda Jean, Randy Leroy, and Michael Kirk. Besides their devotion & dedication to their children and church they shared a love of bowling, reading, and travelling. They loved a good road trip and one of the greatest & fondest family memories is sleeping in the car at Niagara Falls: Mike in the rear window, Linda on the seat; and Randy on the floor with cooler and suitcase on either side of the hump!
On the subject of family memories there is Da going to sleep at Shea Stadium while 50,000 people screamed; picnics at Saratoga & Lake George, Kaydeross Beach, Cayuga Lake, and Thatcher Park, where afterwards we would stop at 3 Farms Dairy for the greatest orange sherbet of all time. These are just a few of many priceless happy childhood and family memories.
James was one of the last surviving charter members of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, and the Church was his second home. He cleaned, sang in the church choir, was assistant musician for Mt. Pleasant and also served as a Trustee.
James and Elnora embodied the 'extended family'. Their hearts and home and wallets were open to many: Bobby Ray, Steve McDonald, Larry McGrew, Dennis Edney, Joe from Bowling. They all literally called Mr. & Mrs. French "Ma" and "Da", and if anyone is left out of this list it's not his fault.
There are few people still in Albany who did not know James French Jr. from his bus-driving life. They have spoken to the family about how they would be glad to see him behind the wheel when the bus pulled up. Da was old-school and people had to behave on his bus. He was known as the strongest man in the CDTA. He would win arm-wrestling contests against much bigger men – but then could not use his hand for 3 days! Elnora would be furious.
His kids referred to him as "The Hand" because much to our youthful dismay – Da would greet total strangers with a wave and a heart-felt hello. We would be like "Da, you don't know that person!" and sink down into the car seats in embarrassment. He would just laugh. Now we do.

Now, he is now driving and waving The Hand for the Lord.
James' memories are carried on in his children, Linda Marshall and her spouse, Charles; Randy French and his spouse Karyn and Michael French and his spouse Ramona. His brothers Kenneth French and spouse Linda and Glenn French. He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren LeQuenta, Sean, Tarik, Tahir, Lucien and Melani, and his great grandchildren Jonathan, Antoine, Sian and Rhonin.

You can add a host of nieces & nephews, his 'adopted' children, and so so many friends and acquaintances.
We know that he was met upon his arrival by his wife and his granddaughter, Alyse.
Da will be always remembered, loved, and missed.

Respectfully written on Jan 1, 2016
by Linda, Randy, Michael


Calling hours will be held Wednesday, January 6, 2016 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, 441 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12206. A funeral service will follow the calling hours starting at 7:00pm. Interment will be Thursday, January 7, 2016 at 10:00am at Graceland Cemetery.

To leave a special message for the family online and for more biographical information on James French please visit NewComerAlbany.com