James Franklin

James Lando Franklin, age 89 was born in Coffee County, Ozark, Alabama. He worked at some of  New York’s most prestigious institutions including Columbia University, Bronx Veteran’s Administration Hospital and New York University before finally retiring from the shipping and receiving department at a Wall Street firm. James dedicated his life to Jehovah through baptism becoming one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. James was very wise, strong and dependable yet shy and mostly reserved. His greatest love was for Jehovah God and his Kingdom. James served faithfully as an elder and congregation secretary at Lexington Congregation in New York City for many years. Throughout some of those years he worked in accounting services at district conventions attended by thousands. He was once asked to consider the position of presiding overseer.

James dynamic life of 89 years came to an end on Wednesday, December 20 ^th , 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elaine his wife of 52 years, siblings; Eloise, Willie, Lula, Ida and Mertie. Several days after James’ death his sister Jewel Jones of New York, NY transitioned.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Derrick (Valerie) Franklin of New York, NY, Tahana Franklin-Coleman (Elliott) of Chattanooga, TN, and Mark (Aliyah) Franklin of Chattanooga, TN. Grandchildren Reginald Bonnelli, Shaniece Franklin, Derrick Franklin, Jayden Coleman, Jazlyn Franklin, Caira Coleman, Heiress Dotson and Sire Lando Franklin; brother-in-law Bernard Jones New York, NY and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews that loved him greatly.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 7271 Tyner Rd Chattanooga, TN lead by Brother John Guinn.