James Franklin

NEELYVILLE — James Franklin, age 51, of Neelyville, Missouri, passed away on Friday, Oct. 2, 2020, at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in Paducah, Kentucky.

James was born in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, on May 9, 1969, to Mary Jo Franklin and the late Donald Franklin. He was a 1987 graduate of Neelyville High School before enlisting in the United States Army. James served with the 32nd Air Missile Defense. He was deployed to serve in Desert Storm, and he worked on the Hawk Missile System. After serving our country, James was a successful contractor who installed flooring.

James was a member of the Disabled American Veterans. He loved playing the guitar and singing and spending time with his friends. He had a passion for barbecuing and cooking, especially for his family, which he adored.

James is survived by his mother, Mary Jo Turner Franklin; four sisters, Natalie Tate (Randy) of Paducah, Kentucky, Jeanene Hover of Paducah, Kentucky, LaDonna Campbell (Jerome) of Paducah, Kentucky and Kimberly Hager (Randy) of Harviell, Missouri; six nieces and nephews, Jenna Rickman (Tony), Stephen Tate (Ravyn), Sara Bowerman (Robby), Andrea Middleton (Brett), and Bradley Hover (Brittany), Jake Hager; and nine great-nieces and great-nephews, Ethan Rickman, Justin Tate, Jackson Rickman, Karalyn Tate, Colton Hover, Hattie Sue Hover, Avery Middleton, Zach Bowerman and Ryan Bowerman.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Fowler & Sons Funeral Home, 16984 Highway 67 South, Neelyville, Missouri, 63954.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donation to: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas, 66675-8516.

You can send a message to the family and light a candle at www.milnerandorr.com.