Jamey Lee Francis

Jamey Lee Francis, age 43, of Hurley, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly on July 4, 2026, at Saxon Harbor. He was born on August 22, 1982, in Ironwood, Michigan, to James R. and Annette (Alexandroni) Francis.

Jamey graduated from Hurley K-12 School in 2001 and attended Gogebic Community College, where he studied business. He went on to work in sales for multiple companies, finding success in each position and building his career from the ground up.

Jamey was a man of many talents. Growing up, he enjoyed learning, playing, and mastering the piano. He also taught himself how to paint, a passion he carried with him throughout the years. Painting became an escape from his busy life—a quiet place where he could create and express himself.

His love of the outdoors began early. His dad taught him to ski, and Jamey loved spending time on the hill. He continued skiing throughout his life and especially enjoyed skiing at Big Powderhorn, where he also bartended. One of his greatest joys was teaching his nephews, Cameron and Alex, how to ski. He was the best uncle—always showing them off, telling everyone he knew about them, and spending every chance he could with them.

Jamey also enjoyed mushroom picking and harvesting mushrooms with his dad, carrying on the traditions and time spent together that meant so much to him.

He loved preparing gourmet meals for his family and friends and was truly a talented cook. Jamey enjoyed helping at Camp David, making homemade maple syrup, and sharing those moments and syrup with friends and family. He was always going—always busy, always involved, and always finding something new to learn, create, or take on.

Jamey enjoyed spending time at his favorite place, The Cabin at Saxon Harbor. He loved working alongside his cousins, Henry and Neil Gilbertson, on what seemed like never-ending jobs—or, as they could say, countless jobs. They taught him so much, and they all enjoyed working side by side together. Jamey truly was a man of many talents.

He loved fishing aboard the Pride and Joy on Lake Superior with his favorite crew—his dad, Henry, Ross, and Mike “Potsie.” He spent countless hours with his special friend, Sherry Anonich, enjoying whatever adventures and plans the day had in store. Jamey also spoke with Rita Franzoi almost daily about community projects, meetings, and the many tasks they worked on together.

Jamey was a proud and dedicated member of his community. He had tremendous pride in his hometown and spent countless hours giving back to the community he loved. He had a knack for gardening and, with his help, always made sure the family mausoleum was in top shape every spring for Memorial Day Events.

Jamey served on the Hurley City Council from 2008 until his passing. During that time, he served on the Finance Committee; Police, Fire and License Committee; Planning and Zoning Committee; and the Eagle Bluff Golf Course Committee. He also served as the City Representative on the Hurley Area Chamber Board and the Gogebic-Iron Wastewater Board. Previously, he served on the Parks and Recreation Committee, Public Works Committee, and Board of Review.

Jamey was also involved with the Hurley Education Foundation as a student representative and beyond for years.

In April 2018, Jamey was elected to the Iron County Board of Supervisors to represent District 3. He remained an active and engaged board member until his passing, bringing boundless energy to the Iron County Board and serving with a deep passion for public service and a commitment to bettering his community. He served as vice chair and worked on several committees throughout his time on the board. At the time of his passing, he served as Chair of the Iron County Finance Committee, Iron County. Rural Economic Development, Vice Chair of the Board of Health, and as a member of the Agriculture Extension Education Board, Human Services Board, and Memorial Building Board.

Jamey’s greatest pride, however, was his family and the people he loved. He is survived by his parents, James R. and Annette (Alexandroni) Francis; his sister, Lindsay (Tom) Kundinger; his nephews, Cameron and Alexander Kundinger; his companion cat, Bella numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is also survived by his beloved Labradoodle, Luigi, who was a constant companion and deeply loved.

Jamey was preceded in death by his grandparents, James A and Lina Francis and Alfred and Barbara Alexandroni; his uncles, Garrett “Gary” Alexandroni, Alfio Toni, Joseph Francis, and Luisa (Bob) Hughes; his aunt, Joanna (Bert) Saari; and his cousin, Brian Saari.

Jamey lived a full and unforgettable life. He was a talented cook, painter, pianist, skier, fisherman, gardener, mushroom picker, businessman, public servant, friend, son, brother, uncle, and so much more. He had a gift for bringing people together and making friends wherever he went. During his time as a bartender at Sharon’s Coffee Co. & Big Powderhorn, he attracted many people with his personality and warmth, turning customers into new friends he truly cherished.

He was always involved in something, always learning something, always helping someone, and always moving forward. Jamey was, in every sense of the words, a man of many talents.

He will be remembered for his enormous personality, his endless energy, his humor, his generosity, his love for his community, and the countless ways he made an impact on the lives around him.

Jamey always joked around and said, “He was a big f’ing deal.” Little did he know, we knew it was the truth.

And to the people who knew and loved him, he always will be.

Visitation for Jamey will take place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., with Fr. Raj Sunkura officiating at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hurley. A celebration of food and fellowship will follow at the Iron County Memorial Building. Jamey’s family kindly invites everyone to dress casually and comfortably, just as Jamey would have wanted.

At this time, online ordering for flowers or a memorial tree is unavailable. Please call one of two local florists,

Stems Flower Shop (906) 285-7266 or https://www.stemsflowershopironwoodmi.com/

Lavinder Fields Floral & Garden (906) 285-9412