Jimmy Lee Franken

Jimmy Franken, or as he was sometimes affectionately known as Round Head, Big Head, Derf, or Bean Butt, lived by the notion that life is better when it is shared with those you love. His favorite way to cap a day was to sit on a deck surrounded by friends and family. He mastered the art of the hang. Imagine a perfect summer day and the obligations are all checked off and it's time to kick back and relax you couldn't have found a better guy to do it with than Jimmy. Whatever deck he was on or The Garage days with the fellas, he kept the vibe right, the cocktail mixed perfectly, the atmosphere enjoyable, and the music in a sweet spot. He was interested in people and cared deeply for them.
Jimmy was all about his relationships, especially with his wife Julie. Julie was his best friend through the highs and lows that inevitably come. What attracted Julie to Jimmy at first? The guy looked like a movie star and had the humility of a small-town boy. Julie knew right away he was one of the good ones and worth crossing the border from Canton, South Dakota to Inwood, Iowa. One thing led to another, and they married and settled down in Indianola, where they brought 2 girls into the world: Angie and Amy. Eventually the grand kids came into the picture and Jimmy embraced the role of grandfather like it was The Medal of Honor.
Some guys collect cars, ride motorcycles, or hunt as an obsession, but Jimmy's obsession was his family. Dad, Grandpa, and Poppy became his next favorite title after husband. His favorite time was park time with his grandkids, even beating out golf with the fellas, and by God he cherished golf with the fellas as much as any Country Club rat. When he was diagnosed with terminal cancer and people asked him how he was doing, he'd reply with a smile, "Well, I just retired and should be golfing!"
He had a strong work ethic that he passed onto his daughters. He was diligent and treated any job with attention, pride, and respect. He made himself indispensable at his job as a "lens grinder." Famously, he negotiated a lower hourly wage for himself because he thought their offer was too generous. Fair, just, and reasonable. These are traits people study in philosophy courses, which he embodied without effort.
Jimmy made the world better. His mere presence impacted the room in a positive way, and a party where he couldn't make it was just not quite the same. Now that he's gone, every gathering on any deck or on any golf course will miss his spirit, but if you knew him and you admired that one-of-a-kind character, then do yourself a favor the next time you attend a gathering: be light-hearted, listen without judgement, and enjoy the moment while it lasts.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his father and mother, Henry and Margaret Franken and brother-in-Law, Herb Hage. He leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Julie (Bunkers) Franken; his daughters, Angie Franken and Amy (Greg) Jenkins; grandchildren, Carly Dycus, Clayton Hildreth, Kaylee Jenkins; great grandchildren, Crew and Axel Dycus; siblings Harley (Mary) Franken, Delora (Dusty) Bahnson. Peggy (Jim) Reiter, Jerry (Jill) Franken; as well as, multiple nieces and nephews.
Services for Jimmy Franken, 71, of Indianola, who passed away Sunday, January 12, 2025, will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 1, 2025, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Indianola. A Celebration of Life Gathering will follow services from Noon to 2 p.m., Saturday, at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola.
In lieu of flowers, Jimmy's wishes were that donations be made to The Pink Tractor Foundation, which is an organization for the benefit of cancer victims. Please make checks payable to Pink Tractor Foundation, memo: memorial for Jimmy Franken and mail to 3845 G50 Hwy, St Charles, IA 50240.