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Jim "Frank" Franklin

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Syracuse University University of Arizona

Jim Franklin Obituary

Jim "Frank" Franklin Born August 10, 1936, passed away peacefully from heart failure on August 19, 2010. Survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary Lou and their two children, Mark (Cathy) and David (Lauren); daughter-in-law, Andi; and nine loving grandchildren. Also survived by his sister, Linda Prendergast of CA and brother, Bill Franklin (Wilma) of VA. Jim grew up in North Carolina and enlisted into the United States Air Force in 1955. In 1960 he met the love of his life, Mary Lou, in Dover, Delaware. They married in 1962, after he was commissioned through OCS. He served as a launch officer for Bomarc and Titan-II missiles, and attended Syracuse University and the University of Arizona. He served two tours with Special Ops in Northern Thailand during the Viet Nam War. Upon retiring from the USAF in 1976, he administered the computer systems and taught at Chaparral College. Throughout his life he maintained a passion for and taught others the endeavors of photography, HAM radios, computers and SCUBA diving. In retirement, he was a full-time volunteer for the US Coast Guard Auxiliary; patrolling Arizona's lakes, teaching water safety and providing national USCG computer support. His sense of humor and ever willingness to help will be dearly missed by his friends and loved ones. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory can be made to the Nature Conservancy or a favorite charity. A Celebration of his Life is tentatively planned for Saturday, August 28, 2010. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Aug. 22, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Jim Franklin

Sponsored by anonymous.

17 Entries

August 29, 2010

Dear Lou,
My love and parYERS GD OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
MUCH LOVE
AMY HUNT MORELAND

August 25, 2010

Jim, Bill and Linda and I grew up together as our mothers were sisters. We had some great times together in Greensboro and Raleigh. As adults, Jim and my husband Tal became good friends and when he visited his parents in Greensboro, he always came over to visit. Great Man!!
Jana Franklin Nowell

Mary Lou Franklin

August 24, 2010

I enjoy reading your comments. It makes me realize just how fortunate I have been to be with Jim for 48 years. His celebration of life will be Sat, Aug 28 at Tucson Womens Club 6245 Bellvue St off Wilmot (behind Trader Joes) at 1600.

Elizabeth Franklin Fuller

August 24, 2010

Jim and I are cousins and I think fondly of our growing up together and enjoying weeks at the "Agnes" cottage in Kure Beach. What a great man. Much love, Elizabeth Franklin Fuller

Martha Helen Smith

August 24, 2010

I first met "Frank" 20 years ago, on the same day I met most of the rest of the clan he & I both married into, in a matter of speaking: he almost 30 years before, & I a year later, when I married his wife's late sister's widower. As I walked into that big dining room (at the Family Matriarch Mary's Seniors' Home) full of Veerhoffs, Frank approached me almost immediately, introduced himself, & helped me feel comfortable in what could have been an awkward situation. In his usual warm, friendly, & empathetic way, he soon said words I have never forgotten: "It may be a little hard to get to know them all, but every one them (the Veerhoffs) is well worth knowing." His words turned out to be prophetic.

My husband Phil & I have had the good fortune of seeing Frank & Lou (not often enough) at family gatherings & other reunions & during private visits in our homes in AZ & MD. I have many warm memories of his kindness, his enthusiasms, & his Loving Sense of Family. He was a man well worth knowing. Lou, our hearts are with you & your family. We loved & will miss Frank, too....Marty

Phil Smith

August 24, 2010

Frank and I were fellow brothers-in-laws who saw each other most often at the large Veerhoff clan family gatherings at Granny’s (Mary’s) and Otto’s house in Washington. I will always remember him as the quiet, warm, friendly guy he was on those occasions, as we sat back together and observed the Veerhoff clan in action. Fortunately, Frank didn’t change much during the many years that followed, when we saw each other on occasional family visits in each other’s homes. I will miss Frank and those visits. Our heart goes out to you, Lou.

August 24, 2010

I was in the OCS class with Jim and remember him as a great officer and a better human being. His friendship was lifelong and although we rarely saw each other, it didn't diminish. I last saw him at the OCS class reunion and it was like we never missed a day. Ruth and I will remember him and his family in our prayers.

Chuck Schenkenberger, Major USAF (Retired) - OCS Class 62B

Ed Huntsman

August 23, 2010

There are no words that will comfort us as Jim crosses the bar. But I can tell you that the Lord's CG better be getting buttoned up and ready to go because there's a new QE coming up to do some check rides.

I've always enjoyed my time with Jim both on a boat, shore side and on our way. We seemed to have the same view of life and its participants -- no doubt because we walked down a few of the same paths together.

May your many wonderful memories begin to fill the emptiness in your heart right now Lou -- the Lord be with you and yours now and always.

August 23, 2010

"Frank" was one the best people we have ever met. He always keep his word and always tried to do the best for others. We have not been able to be in touch much lately but miss him terribly already. We always knew he was there if needed.
Take care of yourselves, let us know if we can help in any way.
Love, Tom & Karen Denchy

Bill Turner

August 22, 2010

I did not have the opportunity to know Jim as much as I would have liked. However, he was a pleasure to be around and I appreciate his advice and assistance. My sympathies to Mary Lou and his children.

Bill Turner, USN Retired
KC7FMF

Rowena Pinkney Foster, K7ILA

August 22, 2010

What a guy Jim was! I had the pleasure of working with him in the USCG Auxiliary. When I transferred to Tucson, Jim and Lou were always kind and welcomed me with open arms. I wish I had the chance to train with him on the water. It would have been fun, no doubt, but he would have also made darn sure I learned the stuff. His gentle style, laced with humor and common sense, set a great example. I sure will miss him. 73 & 88 (in ham radio speak).

Vince & Cecilia Currieri

August 22, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Taken 4 August 2007

August 22, 2010

Taken 2 June 2007

August 22, 2010

Taken 9 June 2007

August 22, 2010

Taken 16 June 2007

August 22, 2010

John Slusser

August 22, 2010

To the family of K4TMJ (SK) Jim is now a "Silent Key" in the amateur radio vernacular. I'm very sorry for your loss. I met Jim (Frank) when he would attend breakfast with other ham radio operators at Jerry Bob's on Broadway Saturday mornings. I took the picture of Jim that appeared in the obit. I have other pictures that I took of him when he attended and you are welcome to have them.
John P Slusser, USAF Retired
WD7F

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