James “Jimmy” Fredrick Franklin, 78, of Picayune, Miss. and formerly of Slidell, La., passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2017, after a short and courageous battle with cancer.
He was born in Birmingham, Ala. and grew up in the New Orleans French Quarter. He was a contractor and was in the seafood business for many years as the owner of Po-Folks Seafood in Slidell.
After his tour of duty in the army during the Korean war, he returned to New Orleans and joined the Andrew Jackson Lodge #428 of the Masonic Temple of Arabi, La. and the Krewe of Endymion Mardi Gras Club, where he served as a member and several times in the Kings court.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Floyd Franklin (Slidell, La); his mother, Lucille Booth Franklin, (Mandeville, La.); his son, Kerri Franklin, (New Orleans, La); his daughter, Kim Franklin Cochrane, (New Orleans, La.); and his brother William (Billy) Randall Franklin (Pearl River, La).
Left to honor his memory are his wife of 20 years, Mary Conn Franklin of Picayune, Miss.; his son, James “Jimmy” F. Franklin of Slidell, La.; his daughter, Kristi Eve (Earl) Petit of Metairie, La.; his sister, Betty Sue (Jerry) Solis of Hattiesburg; his brother, Charles “Charlie” Philip Franklin (Linda) of Pearl River, La.; his brother, James F. Franklin (Pam) of Slidell, La.; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and not least of all, his wonderful friends that he made and enjoyed along his life journey.
He left his mark on this world and will not be forgotten. As per his request, a private gathering of friends and family was held in his honor at his sons home in Slidell, La.