SSG James Franklin SR., ARMY (Ret)

A Graveside service for SSG James Wray Franklin SR. ARMY (Ret), age 97, will be held at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 1:00 PM with Bro. Rodney Leetham officiating, where full Military Honors will be rendered. 

James was born on September 29, 1925 to Loretta Couch. He passed away on May 7, 2023 after a long-term illness while residing at the TN State Veteran's Home. 

James served in the Army and the Reserves from 1943-April 1, 1966, where he retired with over 22 years as a SSG E6. He was wounded in combat and obtained numerous medals; he received a Purple Heart and 2 Bronze Stars. He served in World War II, occupied Japan, and the Korean War, and Japan. He traveled to numerous foreign countries, including Panama, Honduras, and Germany. He later worked as a tank equipment Specialist at TACOM until his second retirement on January 1st, 1987.

In addition to his mother, James is preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, who passed in 1974, Betty Smith Franklin. He is survived by his loving wife, of 47 years, Eula Gray Brooks Franklin, daughters, Pat (Kenneth) Hales and Loretta (Darryl) Terry, sons, James (Phyllis) Franklin Jr and Richard (Claudia) Franklin, step-daughter Patricia Choate-Heflin and step-son James Eric (Vicki) Choate, grandchildren, Amanda (Will) Kosnitch and James Brandon Choate. 

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