James A Franklin, a.k.a. “What a guy”, age 64 of Pelkie, MI passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at The Lighthouse in Hancock, MI., after a short battle with cancer.
He was born June 18, 1953 in Detroit, MI son of Sherrill and Dorothy (Holderfield) Franklin. James graduated from Cody High School in Detroit in 1971. He married the former Kathryn Maki on June 21, 1975. .
James worked for Ford Motor Co. for 34 years. In 2007, he retired and moved to Pelkie. James enjoyed fishing, tinkering, amateur farming, and spending time with his family. James belonged to, and enjoyed working with, the local Baraga County R.I.C.C.
Surviving are his wife Kathryn Franklin of Pelkie, children, Shannon (Brian) Mavis of Shelby Twp, MI, Robert (Charlene) Franklin of Hartland, MI, James G. Franklin of Pelkie; mother Dorothy Franklin of Dearborn Heights, MI; brothers, Jerry (Tonya) Franklin, Robert Franklin; sisters, Kathy Franklin, and Linda Wishart all from the Metro Detroit area; four grandchildren, Ayden, Caitlin, Aubrey, Brendan; sister-in-law Mary O’Brien; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father Sherrill Franklin; brothers Sherrill and Kenneth Franklin.
A celebration of James life will be planned. The Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Friends may sign James guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com
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