Mr. James Franklin Jr.

FRANKLIN, Mr. James B., Jr. - Age 89, passed away from Labor to Reward on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at Avalon Hospice, Flint, MI. Family hour 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle, 930 E. Myrtle Ave., with funeral service commencing at 11 a.m. Pastor Carlos D. Williams officiating. Interment Great Lakes National Cemetery, G-4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the Church 10 a.m. Tuesday. Mr. Franklin will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 12 noon-8 p.m. Monday with family present from 4-7 p.m. with a Masonic Service at 6 p.m. by Saginaw Valley Consistory #71 and Oman Temple #72. Mr. James B. Franklin, Jr. was born June 27, 1923 in Port Huron, Michigan, to the union of the late James B. and Nellie (Willis) Franklin, Sr. Known affectionately as "Brother", was a dignified and generous gentleman. His kindness and compassion were unparelleled. He exemplified his nickname by befriending all whom he knew. His family moved to Flint, Michigan when he was very young. James attended Flint Community Schools, graduating from Flint Northern High School. He was a U.S. Army Veteran where he served in World War II and was Honorable Discharged. Upon his return to Flint he worked for and retired from Buick Motors, a division of General Motors with 30 years of service and was a member of UAW Local #599. James accepted Christ early in life and was a faithful long-time member of Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle faithfully attending Sunday School on a weekly basis until his health failed. He was a member of John W. Stevenson Lodge #56, P.H.A; Saginaw Valley Consistory #71 and Oman Temple #72, A.E.O.N.M.S. James enjoyed fishing, bowling and was a voracious reader who relished the chance to discuss history, politics and the Bible. He leaves to cherish his memories: daughter, Mary Coleman of Flushing, MI; nephew, Dr. J.B. (Janet) Elzy, Jr. of Beloit, WI; niece, Francine Houston of Flint; grandchildren, Angela (Marvin) Hughes of Starkville, MS, James B. (Jeanine) Franklin III of Flint; sister in-law, Selidos Franklin; three great-grand children, many great nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. Mr. Franklin was preceded in death by his wife Esther; five sisters and three brothers. The family would like to thank Avalon Hospice staff, Pastor Carlos D. Williams and the Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle Church family, and good friend, Jessie McKelry for your many acts of kindness. We cannot express to you how much your care and support of Mr. Franklin, means to us. Thank you and may God truly bless you.

Mr. James Franklin Jr.

June 27, 1923 - February 13, 2013