With the encouragement of many, the Francis family is creating a foundation in memory of our 24 year old son and brother, Jon, and in an effort to bring some good out of his loss. The Jon Francis Foundation will provide an opportunity to honor Jon’s memory and to mold our collective sorrow into hope and purpose.

Since the disappearance of our son, Jon, we have learned that authorities in every state stop looking for missing persons, even when they have some idea of the general area where the person is likely to be found. Counties and national parks do not have unlimited resources for search and rescue, so after a period of time the burden of a continuing search is placed on the shoulders of family and friends.

In those times, families need the kind of support that the Jon Francis Foundation can provide.  This will be an opportunity to reduce the heartbreak and daunting physical challenges faced by those still looking for a missing loved one.

Jon walked humbly with God, ran long distances and climbed mountains. He was in love with mountains.  For many years, he hiked and climbed western mountains in Colorado, Utah and Idaho.  On Saturday morning, July 15, 2006, Jon set out to climb Grand Mogul in the rugged Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho.

He reached the summit but did not return.  One of the searchers brought down a note that Jon had left in the summit registry. It read: “07/15/06. Jon Francis, *LHBC (Luther Heights Bible Camp) and Ogden Utah. Climbed avalanche field to east face and east ridge. Great times bouldering! All Glory to God for the climb and the beautiful Sawtooths.”

Please support the spring search for Jon and contribute to the work of the foundation on line at
The Jon Francis Foundation is a Minnesota non-profit corporation and now has IRS 501(c)(3) status.  All contributions are tax deductible!

Jon Francis Foundation
Post Office Box 2235, Stillwater, Minnesota 55082
612.963.6772