Francis C. Letourneau

Francis C. Letourneau, 91, of Jaffrey died peacefully Friday January 30, 2015 at the Good Shepherd Healthcare Center after a period of failing health.

He was born April 4, 1923 in Jaffrey, son of the late Eugene and Marie Agnes (Tremblay) Letourneau.

Francis, better known as “Jimmy”, had attended Jaffrey schools before entering the U.S. Army in March 1943. He served with the 483rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery and was a member of a select group of men known as the Iwo Jima Survivors. He was halfway up Mount Suribachi when the six Marines raised our flag. He spent six months on the island manning the anti-aircraft guns.
After three years of service in the Army “Jimmy” came home to his native Jaffrey and never left again.

He was a life member of the John Humiston Post #11, American Legion and also Jaffrey Memorial Post #5613 VFW.

He was employed as a machinist at the former Bean & Simons box shop in Jaffrey until it closed and then worked as a receiving clerk for W.W. Cross Co. in Jaffrey for twenty-five years.

In 1949 Jimmy formed a western band known as the Rhythm Ramblers that played at bars, weddings and other events. Jimmy played the banjo, mandolin, guitar and violin.

In 1950 he married Lyla A. Elwell of Athol MA. She died September 14, 1999.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his two brothers Louis Letourneau in 1977 and Lincoln Letourneau in 2012 and also his sister Elizabeth Bachand in 1994.

He is survived by his brother Nelson E. Letourneau of Jaffrey; many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Family and friends are invited to a calling hour on Tuesday February 3, 2015 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the Cournoyer Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 33 River Street (Route 202 south) Jaffrey.

Funeral services with military honors will be conducted in the funeral home chapel immediately following the calling hour at 10:30 AM. Rev. Wilfred Deschamps, Pastor of St. Patrick Church in Jaffrey will officiate.

Burial will take place in St Patrick Cemetery in the spring.