James Harold Franklin

James Harold Franklin, 62, of Cedar Creek, Texas, passed away on March 29, 2022, in Bastrop, Texas.

Jim was born in Orlando, Florida to Donald Ray and Nilah Kay (Watson) Franklin on September 27, 1959. After attending Lyman High School in Longwood, Florida, he later earned a Masters degree in Distributive Education. He married the love of his life Julia Kay on March 14, 2015 in Lake Jackson, Texas.

Veteran of Desert Storm, having received numerous awards for valor and service, he retired from the Army in 1998. He then worked as a Critical Care Paramedic and safety instructor throughout Central Texas for over 20 years.

He attended Calvary Baptist Church in Bastrop. He actively served his community and helped neighbors in need. An avid outdoorsman, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and being in nature. His unique personality, sharp wit, side-splitting humor, and interesting stories kept all who knew him entertained.  He delighted in spending time with family, was very involved in the lives of his daughters and grandchildren, and relished being a meme connoisseur.

Jim is survived by his loving family: wife, Julia Kay of the home; daughters, Jamie M. (Daniel) White of Golovin, Alaska, and Trista D. (Clinton) Merrifield of Potzbach, Germany; and stepson Joel F. Steabman of San Antonio, Texas; brothers, Donald L. (Vicki) Franklin of Saint Cloud, Florida; Alpha E. (Kathy) Franklin of St. Charles, Missouri; Robert J. (Lorraine) Franklin of Douglas, Georgia; sister, Sonya M. (Brian) Joseph of Saint Cloud, Florida; and four grandchildren that were the sunshine of his life: Austin (15) and Mason (14) of Golovin, Alaska; Trenton (3), and Peyton (1) of Potzbach, Germany.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 5 at Bastrop Providence Funeral Home 2079 Hwy 71 East, Bastrop, Texas 78602.

Memorials may be given to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (www.T2T.org) .

The family of James Franklin wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Bastrop Police Department and First Responders.