Eight Bells: Robert F. Francis, Jr. 1969–2025

by Deb Whitehorse | Nov 18, 2025 | 2025, 2026, Home Page

As many of you have heard, the DN class has lost JR Francis US807, a friend, a competitor, and a steady presence on the ice. Our condolences go out to his wife, Kylie, and to his family. His passing feels especially hard because it came without warning, and because we all expected many more years of seeing US807 at the front of the fleet.

From the Race Committee side, JR was the kind of sailor you hoped to see on the line: respectful, focused, and fast. He didn’t say much, but he spoke volumes on the racecourse. Those of us who watched the sharp end of the fleet know exactly how often US807 was right in the fight.

Skip Dieball knew JR all his life, and JR was like a brother to him. Thank you Skip for sharing some photos and your remembrance.

Robert F. Francis, Jr.
1969-2025
-by Skip Dieball

The iceboat family is mourning the loss of our good friend, JR Francis. He was a tremendous individual and will be greatly missed.
JR grew up in the Point Place community of Toledo, OH. There with the support of his family, he began a lifetime of boating that would pave the way for a successful career in the marine industry.

Just a few blocks from his childhood home, my brother Ernie and I formed a close bond that would carry on through our lives. Our ages were very close and we shared many of the same passions. Summer sailing, Iceboating, Bike riding and all the fun and travel associated. We went to the same schools, participated in the same summer sailing programs and iceboated on Maumee Bay as often as we could. We were brothers, and there weren’t many days that would go by without us getting together.

 

JR went on to become a successful boat captain working for very famous clients which included business leaders and professional sports icons. His attention to detail and preparation were key success factors in his career.

 

JR was a trusted sailing teammate. He and I won several sailing championships that were hard earned and well sailed. He was a fantastic tactician and had a pragmatic approach that led to quick decisions and success.

JR was an outstanding and highly ranked iceboating competitor in the DN class. He traveled all over the world to compete and strived to get better with every event. He truly helped me as I dove in and out of the sport through my adult years, always providing support and encouragement. At a recent DN Worlds, I had to race every qualifying race to get to the gold fleet. At the finish of each race, he was there to coach me and inspire me to get ready for the next race, as I had no idea where I generally finished.

 

Above all of his accomplishments, support and friendship, he dearly loved his wife Kylie and the life they built together. She made our great friend an even better person through life. JR’s had the support of a wonderful family. My deepest condolences to Bob Sr., Debbie and her family.