Franklin Jess White

Franklin Jess James (Jim) White, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025. Jim was born on September 9, 1940, in Spokane, Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank A. White and Marita Elizabeth Logadon White, and his wife, Donna Jane (Kindschy) White. He is survived by his son, William C.E. White, his sister, Marita Suzanne Huss, his nephew, Stephen Huss, his niece, Marita Christina Huss Durk (Michael), and his stepchildren, Marcy Lynn Smith, Dwight K. Smith, and Alicia Baumgardner.

Jim attended North Central High School in Spokane and received an Associate of Arts Degree from Spokane Community College. In 1996 he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Eastern Washington University.

Jim had many careers during his lifetime. He spent six years in the Air National Guard, as a refrigeration and air conditioning specialist. He was a mechanic, a construction worker, a custodian, landlord and a building engineer.

He was employed by the Spokane Blood Bank from 1974-1989, a position which involved several duties, one of which was driving the Blood Mobile. His construction skills proved invaluable when the Spokane and Inland Empire Blood Bank was remodeled by two different architects. Many areas were not covered by either contract. With a few simple tools, drywall magic, paint and lots of hard labor, he finished the "out of contract" work and completed the project just in time for the dedication of the Blood Bank. He had to resign from the Blood Bank due to a back injury.

His last career was as a social worker employed by the State of Washington. In this capacity, he was assigned individuals needing care and transportation, and accompanied his patients to various events and church services.

Jim was an active member of Sporting Singles, serving as the activities chairman, river rafting coordinator, and club president. He organized annual Christmas caroling at group homes for elderly and mentally handicapped women. Jim met his wife, Donna, at Sporting Singles events,

and they enjoyed many camping and river rafting adventures. Because Donna was a travel agent, they participated in various tours and cruises, including adventures to Australia and New Zealand. They were happily married for 18 years.

Jim liked barbecuing, smoking fish, and working outside in his yard.

He particularly enjoyed fishing on various rivers and took numerous back country trips to the Bob Marshall Wilderness with his best friend, Dean Goodrich.

He also had a love of art and enjoyed researching various artists and visiting art museums to study their work.

Jim was a talented and kind husband and father who will be greatly missed.

Celebration of Life will be on October 11, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Hennessey Funeral Home, 2203 N. Division, Spokane, WA.