James Franciskovich - Firefighter Fatality - Iowa

James Franciskovich

Firefighter James Franciskovich, age 52, of West Burlington, Iowa, died on February 24, 2017, on a highway in Mahaska County, Iowa.

Firefighter Franciskovich was a volunteer member of the West Burlington Fire Department. He had 15 years of service.

He was known to his friends as Jim and as "Franco".

Jim was a passenger in a fire department vehicle with two other firefighters. They were travelling to the State Fire School in Ames, Iowa, for training. After 6:00 p.m., the driver lost control of the vehicle on an icy stretch of highway and flipped over. Jim was ejected from the vehicle.

Tragically, Jim, died of his injuries.

The other two firefighters received minor injuries.

Jim was an Army veteran with 20 years of service. He also worked in plant operations maintenance for Great River Medical Center.

He was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Vikings and Miami Hurricanes. He

Florian, Patron Saint of
Firefighters, pray for Jim
and for those who have
lost him.

loved motorcycles, working out, being outdoors and spending time with his grandchildren.

Friends describe Jim as a helpful man who was easy to talk to. He had a sense of humor.

The members of the West Burlington Fire Department are in mourning over the death of their brother. Jim took his firefighting duties seriously. He will be forever remembered.

Jim's loved ones are devastated over his sudden and tragic death. He did his best. He will be forever mourned.

Jim is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members including his brothers - John and Peter; his sisters - Mary and Marianne; his wife, Cindee; his daughters Haley and Stephanie; his step-children, Anthony and Emilie; and four grand-children.

Thank you for your service to America and to the community, Jim. 

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and are gone before we can say goodbye.

Pray that Jim is in Heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.