December 08, 1924 - September 13, 2014
Died peacefully at home surrounded by children and grandchildren on September 13, 2014. James was born on December 8, 1924 to Valentine W. and Dorothy M. (Hauck) Franklin in Spokane. He attended Regal Elementary and graduated from Rogers High School. James attended the University of Washington and Washington State College; later enlisting in the Army Air Force in 1943. He was honorably discharged in March of 1946. He was stationed in the Aleutian Islands during WWII and received several medals during his service including the American Theater Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal. He went on to marry Donna Jeanne Thompson on September 25, 1954 in Spokane and had four daughters and one son. James retired from the United States Postal Service after over 30 years. James spent many happy years on beautiful Lake Pend Oreille on his boat â??Sandpiperâ? with his family and beloved dog, Princess. He had a special appreciation for the outdoors; he loved hunting, fishing, and vacationing in many national parks. James loved to travel; having visited the Normandy Battle site in 2001. He was very interested in sports, history, classical music, gardening, and bears. James was a die-hard WSU Cougar football fan. He taught his children to be curious, to appreciate the beauty in life and to work hard. He had an incredible sense of humor and was loved by hundreds of friends. James is survived by his children Kathleen (Dennis) Cleavenger, Carol (James Jasuale) Brabank, Coleen Elmers, James (Marty Dubuis) Franklin, and Karen (James) Zastrow; his grandchildren Brian and Brice Cleavenger, Lindsay and Andrew Brabank, Michael, Timothy, and Lauren Elmers, Isabella and Jake Zastrow; as well as several nieces and nephews including special nieces, Paula, Jan, Mary, and Teresa. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Warren Franklin; sister Marjorie Bell; his wife Donna J. Franklin (1993); and his companion Margaret Breeden (2011). A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Thursday, September 18, 2014 at the Heritage Funeral Home, 508 N Government Way, Spokane, WA 99224. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, September 19, 2014 at the Sunset Chapel, Fairmount Memorial Park, 5200 W. Wellesley. Interment and Honors will follow at Fairmount. The family invites you to join them at Field House Pizza & Pub, 4423 W. Wellesley following the services.
