Retired Colonel Jess J Franco Jr passed away unexpectedly and much too soon on May 18, 2022. Cherished father of Tara (Greg) Zimmerman, Jess Franco, Lea (Alex) MacKendrick, and beloved grandfather of Brynn and Mairin Zimmerman. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. He was proceeded in death by his mother Wilma Franco (nee Kopp), father Jess Franco, and his brother Curtis Michael Franco. Jess was a dedicated and proud Army veteran with over 20 years of service, entering active duty in 1966 during the Vietnam. He was stationed overseas and in country, which included working at the Pentagon at various times during his military career. He completed Command General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas and US Naval War College War College in Newport, Rhode Island. Following his military retirement, he worked in various consultant roles specializing in energy efficiency, and sustainability. Jess was a graduate of UW-Madison Engineering and a life-long Badger fan. He also received his Master's in Engineering Management from George Washington University. He loved reading, golfing, watching movies, and spending quality time with his family and friends. Please help eternalize memories of Jess by providing remembrances or photos to his daughter Tara. They can be sent to TaraZimmerman@ladlake.org. Memorials, if so desired, may be made to the VA or other organizations benefitting veterans.