James Arthur “Frenchy” French was called home to his Heavenly Father on August 16, 2026, at his home in Shawnee, Oklahoma. He was born April 12, 1985, to John and Alecia (Ingram) French in Midwest City, Oklahoma.

James grew up in Harrah, Oklahoma, and attended Harrah High School before joining the United States Air Force. He was honored to follow the footsteps of his father as an Ammo Troop. His fifteen-year career took him all over the world before he medically retired in 2019. During his career he earned many medals and ribbons, including: Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, and Meritorious Unit Award with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters.

Frenchy loved his work and the men and women with whom he served. One of his proudest moments was when he recited his last re-enlistment oath while flying upside down in a fighter jet.

James was so proud of his daughter, Lucy. His face beamed when he talked about her accomplishments and how beautiful she is.

After retirement, he married Alyssa and gained Liam as his son. He loved teaching Liam to build RC cars.

He was passionate about service dogs and had an inseparable bond with his own service dog, Charles Bronson, aka Charlie. When Charlie became too old to work this year, James was able to train and adopt Elvis from Warriors Heart in Bandera, Texas.

James was preceded in death by his father, John Ray French; step-father, Rodney Lynn Gordon; and step-sister, Samantha Emry.

He is survived by his daughter, Lucy French-Hudson; wife Alyssa French; son, Liam Bousman; mother, Alecia Tracy and companion, Troy Ragsdale; sister, Lori Evans and husband Travis; brother, Ryan French and wife Christa; step-mother, Linda French; step-sisters Kathleen Ramirez and husband Lorenzo, Jennifer Fleming and husband Roy, Jodi Hughen-Green and husband Chris, Christy McCage and husband Boyd, and Angela French.

Celebration of Life services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Harrah Church, 101 S. Dobbs Road, Harrah, OK 73045

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:

Warriors Hear

C/O K9 Department

756 Purple Sage Road

Bandera, Texas 78003

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

- Isaiah 6:8

Arrangements for cremation are under the care of Asa Smith Funeral Service of Harrah. Online condolences may be made at www.asasmith.net