James L Franklin

Mr. Franklin was born November 15, 1938 in Gladstone, Michigan to the late Dewey and Millicent (Morin) Franklin. He dedicated his life to his country, first serving in the United States Air Force as a Jet Engine Technician and retired as a Tech Sergeant in 1977 after 22 years. He then continued to serve in Civil Service at Shepard Air Force Base. He received several accolades in his Civil Service career. Jim was also a lifetime member of VFW Post 8878 and was Past Commander of American Legion Post 120. He married Marlene A. Huey on November 7, 1968 in Pamelia, NY. He loved to sing and play guitar, fishing, playing poker, shooting pool and bowling. He was a master craftsman in woodworking. Jim never met a stranger and was loved by all. He lived his life to the fullest.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Dorothy Lustig, Harold Franklin and Gloria Belongie.

Survivors are his loving wife, Marlene Franklin of Wichita Falls; children, Lanna Patterson and Donald Baber of Randlett, OK, Debbie and Tommy Schroeder of Holliday, TX, Jeff Little and Glenda Day of Iowa Park, TX, Dawn and Bob Bissett of Carsonville, MI, Laurie Hansen of Honor, MI and Blair and Susanne Franklin of West Linn, OR; grandchildren, Jennifer and Graham Wood, Kristen Rooney, Danielle Schroeder, Courtney Little, Abbey Williams and John Hall and Jason Little; great grandchildren, Raina Rooney, Lexi Rooney, Kane Rooney, Caitlyn Hopper, Houston Wood and C. J. Wood; siblings, Shirley Tremel and Howard and Gloria Franklin. Jim also leaves behind his feline friends, Dozer, Daisy, Fluffy, Scruffy, Sparky-Joe and Missy.