James A. Franklin

This Is the House That Jack Built, Y’all

James A. Franklin was the 15^th child born to Sam Willie and Mariah Jane Franklin. There were sixteen children, five girls: Dora Hoskins, Jessie Mae Franklin, Jessie Mae’s twin sister (who die at birth), Ester Bell, Oneta Franklin and Pauline Rice. Nine brothers: Roosevelt Franklin (Putt), Relford Franklin, Columbus Franklin, Edward Franklin, Sylvester Franklin, Leroy Franklin, Basil Robinson, Hudie Hoskins, Willie Franklin. All fifteen siblings preceded James in death.

James was born on December 1, 1920 in Clearview, Oklahoma. James attended Grassy Lake School from 1925 through 1934. In 1940, he met and married the love of his life Mable Porter in Clearview, Oklahoma. To this union 14 children were born; nine were born in Clear-view and the other five in Wichita, Kansas. He was employed by United Cement Products and Volmer Construction in previous years. In 1960, he went on to work for the Sedgwick County Roads Department; where he preformed road maintenance for three years and worked as a truck driver for twenty years. In 1983, he retired from Sedgwick County. Tragedy struck on December 13, 1969 when Mable passed away. James would go on to marry Earline Franklin; they were married for 45 years.

Deacon James Franklin was the oldest member of Faith Mission C.O.G.I.C. Due to his unwavering loyalty and steadfast dedication to the church; he was given the title “Mr. Faith Mission: by the First Lady Beard. His commitment to service allowed hm to serve in multiple capacities while attending faith Mission. He was the Assistant Sunday School Superintendent and was later appointed Sunday Superintendent, which he remained until his health declined. Being a strong supporter of the church and its leadership, he was also a tribe leader for the Pastor and Wife anniversary. Built with a sense of loyalty he would only accept Bishop Gilkey as his visiting pastor. Deacon Franklin and Bishop Gilkey strived to be the “winning leaders;” he accomplished this goal with the assistance of his team members. He was known for his academic ability and mischievousness. Deacon Franklin could be quite the prankster!

Deacon Franklin had a rich baritone voice that was smoother than butter. His singing would ring through the house and permeate the room with melodies from heaven. For almost a decade, he sang in a gospel quartet with Vernon “Gucci” Alford, Henry Clifford James, Lewis Alford, and Jimmy Marks. Several local churches requested his presence and that golden voice. A few of his favorite songs: I’ll Fly Away, Precious Lord and Bye and Bye.

James was a devote brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-grandfather. He leaves to mourn his memory children: Dorothy Franklin, Hattie (William) Irving, Sharon Jones, Johnny (Peggy) Franklin-El Candace Watson, Jacqueline (Walter) Franklin-Garnerand Monica (Edward) Epps; thirty-six grandchildren, several great grandchildren, and a host of family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, 15 siblings, his first wife Mable Franklin, and children James, Marvin, Rosetta, WillI’ll Fly Away, Precious Lord (Red), Melvin, Leroy, Willie (Boy), and Georgia (Dee).

Services for Mr. Franklin were held in Wichita, Kansas.