James Dean Franklin was born February 10, 1924 in Union Springs, Alabama to the parentage of James and Bennie Lee Allen Franklin. He was the eldest of 11 children. While an infant, his parents relocated to Jasper, Alabama.
In 1943, Mr. Franklin enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1946 having attained the rank of Corporal.
After graduating from Walker County Training School in Jasper, James matriculated and graduated from Alabama State Teachers College, now Alabama State University, in 1949 where he earned the Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education with emphasis in Science. While in college he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and met the love of his life, Kate Harrington Franklin. They were later married and became the proud parents of five children.
James began working for West Point Pepperell in 1949. His jobs varied from Director of Recreation, Lanett Mill Counselor and Employment Supervisor. As a teacher at Lanier High School, he was instrumental in bridging the gap in race relations in the community. He aspired to instill in the youth to take pride in themselves and he motivated them to become high achievers.
Mr. Franklin was a dedicated member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Lanett and faithfully served on the Deacon Ministry, the Male Chorus – which he loved dearly and the Healthy Heart Ministry to name a few.
In his later years, Mr. Franklin was honored with his own day, September 1st, known as “James Franklin Day”. He was also honored with a field dedicated to him, known as the “Franklin’s Court” with a plaque erected in his honor. It was the very location where he taught many children the fundamentals of various sports. He also coached and officiated basketball and football games in various locations, earning him the nickname “Coach”.
Mr. Franklin also served on the Lanett City Board of Education, Board of Directors for East Alabama Mental Health organizations, the Development Board for the Bradshaw Library and an advisor for the Junior Achievers. Coach Franklin was often seen sitting on his front porch where he enjoyed seeing members of the community either walk by and shout out “Hey Coach” or other people driving by and blowing their horns. You could always see the joy on his face from the love shown towards him by friends and neighbors. He will be missed by a community he served so proudly andby a family who loved and appreciated him so dearly. “He was a friend to all and to all a friend.”
On Tuesday, September 6, 2016, at the age of 92, James Dean Franklin was called to his eternal home where he will be reunited with his bride, Kate.
His survivors include: his five children, Edwin (Kimberly) Franklin, Lydia Brooks, Amy Andrews, Reginald (Angel) Franklin and Regina (Terry) Hill; six grandchildren, Demonica Brooks, Terry (Cyrah) Hill, Eddie Sharpe, James Sharpe, Danielle Hill and Angelicia Franklin; four great-grandchildren, Dominque Brooks, Layla Hill, Jacob Sharpe and Caleb Hill.