Kenneth (Kenny) James Francis Jr. died in Fredericksburg, Virginia on July 30. He was 54.

He was born in Oak Bluffs on May 8, 1965. In his years at the West Tisbury School he excelled as a champion long jumper and fast runner, as well as a pretty good student.

He looked forward every year to the Agricultural Fair, and as a young kid he was allowed to help organize the hectic parking. He loved the authority.

Another early job was as a Lambert’s Cove beach attendant, where he monitored the foot traffic from a beach chair at the entrance, giving permission only to legitimate pass holders. He took his position very seriously.

At an early age he became fascinated by computers and could do just about anything with them, including building and repairing. He studied auto mechanics at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School with Bruce Turgeon and became a fine mechanic. He loved fixing motors and had a work ethic that insisted he get things right the first time because he never wanted anyone to come back unhappy. This work ethic was his signature feature until addiction took everything.

He was employed at Midland Garage by Kenny Belain, who, along with his wife Janet, became godparents to Kenny’s daughter, Siobhan Francis.

Later he operated an auto repair and small engine repair at his home in West Tisbury, and toward the end of his life at his home in Fredericksburg, Va., where he raised his son, Kenneth James Francis 3rd, as a single parent. Kenny was a proud father of both his children.

His neighbors in Virginia praised his helpfulness. Kenny had a strong relationship with Father Wooten, who provided him with spiritual counsel and appreciated his sense of humor.

Kenny will be sorely missed by all who knew him, who grieve as well the impact of addiction on his promise and capabilities. Kenny was predeceased by his uncles, William T. Hagerty, Robert Francis and Jeffrey Alley; aunts, Janet Hagerty and Linda Francis, and cousin, Scott Francis. He is survived by his children, Siobhan Elizabeth Francis of West Wareham and Kenneth James Francis 3rd of Hull; his parents, Kenneth Sr. and Jean Hagerty Francis of Fredericksburg; his siblings, Karin Francis Cassidy of Fredericksburg and William Francis of Rehoboth; his uncle, Robert Hagerty of Oak Bluffs; his aunts, Joan Hagerty Duggan of Pomfret Center, Conn., Charlene Alley, Norma Marathas and Susan Fauteaux of Oak Bluffs, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and his beloved dog, Fido.

A memorial mass will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea in Oak Bluffs on August 15 at 11 a.m., followed by interment at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Oak Bluffs and a reception at the Portuguese American Club.

Memorial donations may be sent to The Vineyard House, P.O. Box 4599, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home. Visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.