James "Jimmy" Donaldson Franklin

James “Jimmy” Donaldson Franklin was born in Birmingham, AL on July 13, 1957 to Charles and Martha Elizabeth Franklin, and went to be with Jesus on February 18, 2023 in Houston, TX. He was the third of seven children for his parents and was their oldest son. When he was just a toddler they moved to Texas, and he spent most of his early life and teenage years living in or around Seagoville, TX; that is where he met and married his wife of almost 47 years, Debbie. In 1977, they welcomed their first child, a son, Waylon, and then their daughter, Sherie, in 1979. He was a loving and devoted husband and father and loved having his home filled with kids, family, and friends. Jimmy worked as a general contractor specializing in hurricane restoration alongside Debbie’s family until he was no longer able to work. He loved traveling around the coast, working and meeting new people. In the mid-1980s he and Debbie moved their family to Van, TX; God knew what he was doing moving Jimmy and Debbie right next door to the pastor of Van Assembly of God. They got saved and started serving faithfully at Van A/G until the late 1990s, when they made Destin, FL their home. While living in Destin, Jimmy’s greatest joy in life began; he became a Pawpaw. His grandchildren became his pride and joy, and he was the best Pawpaw to them. In the early 2000’s the family moved back to Texas and made Spring their forever home. Jimmy’s first love was GOD. Throughout his travels with work, he would find a church to become a temporary home church and serve where he could. One of these churches was in Sunrise, FL where they gave him the nickname “The MOFFF”: The Minister of Fun, Food, and Fellowship. It was a fitting title for a man who loved people, food, and a good get together that included both. After moving to Spring, they joined Spring First Church where he served in several roles, including usher, men’s ministry, many years as a board member, and his best role as a door greeter. He invited everyone to lunch after service and always let them know what events were going on at the church they could attend; he especially loved The Spring First Super Bowl Chili Cook Off every year. His favorite role in the church was the position of “The Candyman.” He was never without a pocketful of candy for the kids, even though he let everyone know “He didn’t even like kids” with huge smile on his face. He will forever be known for his love of God, Debbie, his grandchildren, his children, his family, friends, and all people. Jimmy is survived by his wife, Deborah; son, Waylon and wife, Emily; daughter, Sherie and husband, Brent; Grandchildren, Koby and wife Camila, Bradley, Michael, Kamryn, James, Lacey, and Kingston; Sisters, Donna and husband, Ricky; Barbara and husband, Richard; Sandra; and Darlene and husband Johnny; Sister-in-law, Terri and husband, Robert; several honorary grandchildren, God Children, a ton of nieces and nephews, uncles and aunts, and hundreds of friends. He is proceeded in death by his father, Charles Franklin; mother, Martha Elizabeth Franklin; Grandmother, Ada Spain; Sister, Martha Ann Franklin; Mother-in-law, Patricia Hill; Father-in-law, Waylon Karm; Son-in-law, Kelly Kindley; Brother-in-laws, Gary Karm and Larry Moore; Nephews, James Rodgers Jr and Shane Reeves. Pallbearers: Jason White, Chris Finger, Carlos Sotomayor, Jason Bone, Jason Pierce, and Eric Ministero

James "Jimmy" Donaldson Franklin

July 13, 1957 - February 18, 2023