James 'Jim' Franke

TRAVERSE CITY — James A. Franke, 80, lifelong resident of Traverse City, passed away Monday, Nov. 15, 2010, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.James Alfred Franke was born on April 15, 1930, to the late Alfred and Edith (Barnes) Franke in Traverse City. Jim was born into a big family of six siblings and was raised in the area, graduating from Traverse City High School. Jim served his country as a member of the United States Navy during the Korean War. On Dec. 22, 1952, Jim entered into marriage with the former Patricia A. Courtad in Traverse City. Pat and Jim made their home here raising a family of their own with the addition of five children. Jim started his career driving for Chef Pierre before going to work for Total Crude Oil, retiring in 1993 after 20 years of service.Jim was a fan of many sports, attending several, including one of his favorites, Traverse City's own professional baseball team, the Beach Bums. Jim was a true family man, always out helping to plow his kids' drives in the winter, cheering on his grandkids or simply stopping by for a cup of coffee and a donut. Jim was known as the "pie man" by those at the VFW after delivering many dinner pies there over the years. Jim was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and will be missed by many.James is survived by his wife of over 57 years, Patricia, of Traverse City; three sons, James (Michele) Franke, of Thompsonville, Joseph (Katherine) Franke, of Buckley, and Paul (Kim) Franke, of Traverse City; his two daughters, Sharon (Lyle) Morgan, of Traverse City, and Marcia Schichtel, of Grawn; 13 grandchildren, Brian, Benjamin, Mason, Willie, Zachary, Molly, Nathan, Elizabeth, Kyle, Joshua, Christie, Amanda and Lauren; two great-grandchildren, Kianna and Kaiden; his brother, Jack (Ginny) Franke; nine step grandchildren; nine step great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Harry Grennay; as well as many other loving family members and friends.James was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William and Robert Franke; and sisters, Joanne Grennay, Rosemary Schneider and Betty Pavlovic.Visitation for friends and family will be held Friday, Nov. 19, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, from 6 until 8 p.m., with a 7 p.m. Vigil service led by Deacon Rene Hoenscheid. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010, at the St. Patrick Catholic Church, with the Rev. William Lipscomb officiating. Graveside committal services will be held in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Patrick Catholic Church or the VFW Cherryland Post # 2780. Please share thoughts with the family at Jim's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

James 'Jim' Franke

November 15, 2010