James "Jim" George Franks

Age 79

Passed away peacefully at his home in Hope Mills, North Carolina, on August 29, 2026.

Jim was born on October 6, 1946, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Stanley and Lottie (Chmielewski) Franks. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Carolyn Reitenbach (Franks). Jim was the proud father of Don Franks and his wife, Nell, and Amy Naugle, and grandfather to Camden and Colbie Franks and Memphis Naugle. Throughout his life, many of his children’s friends became family, affectionately calling him Dad, Pops, Papa, Grampa or Grumpa, Gramps, and G-Pa. Jim understood that family is not defined by blood alone, but by the love, laughter, and connections we share.

Jim grew up in Cleveland and the surrounding suburbs and graduated from Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School in 1964. He earned an Associate’s Degree from Cuyahoga Community College in 1980. Jim spent 27 years as an accountant in the Aftermarket Division of TRW before changing careers and becoming a United States Postal Service carrier, a position he held for another 13 years before retiring and moving to North Carolina.

Jim enjoyed life and kept himself active well into retirement. For many years, he continued to walk as much as five miles a day. He volunteered with his friend Ralph at Tri-C JazzFest, Cleveland Air Shows, and other events throughout the area. At home, Jim enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles. Many evenings were spent listening to Tom Hamilton call the ball games while working on Sudoku puzzles. He was also an amateur woodworker who enjoyed creating things with his hands, including Christmas trees, ornaments, cornhole boards, and a large Jenga set.

Above all, Jim was known for his humor and his ability to make those around him smile. He kept his sense of humor until the very end. Even during his final days, he welcomed everyone involved in his care into his ever-growing “family.” Jim leaves behind not only his family, but countless friends and loved ones whose lives were made brighter by knowing him. His laughter, kindness, humor, and unmistakable personality will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Family will receive friends at the Mallchok Funeral Home, 5660 Ridge Road, Parma, OH on Friday, September 4, 2026 from 5 – 8 p.m.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Graveside Service at Holy Cross Cemetery, 14609 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH 44142 on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 11 a.m. (Please meet at cemetery entrance.)

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the World Wildlife Fund.

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