James Alan Franklin

James Alan Franklin passed away on January 23, 2025; after a yearlong battle with pancreatic cancer. Jim died at home surrounded by his four cats and wife, Nan. Jim was born December 29, 1964; to Dave and Pat Franklin. He was born in Pasadena, California. Jim and his family lived in several places in California and Oregon. One of his favorites was Big Bear, California. He went to the “round” elementary school. Jim and his big brother Kenny were always up to hijinx! Digging big holes to hide out in. Building gigantic ant farms. One time, Ken tied Jim to a stop sign, hanging by his belt. Ken and his friends hid in the bushes and waited to see how long it took for someone to stop and help him down. It wasn’t too funny when the police arrived and the story was announced on the local radio. Funny though, nobody got in much trouble over that one! Jim played the trumpet in junior high and high school. He really enjoyed it and had a talent for playing. He made first chair in high school. Jim was in the Katella High School’s marching band and participated in several competitions. He loved to tell stories about his friend Ed McQueery nudging him and telling him which direction to go. Jim was born with the congenital eye disease Retinitis Pigmentosa. The disease kills the retina over a lifetime. This is a hereditary disease and many of his relatives have it, including his mother Pat. Everyone who knew Jim, knew how he felt about his vision disease and going blind. Jim loved racing! Nothing made him happier than watching Formula One, Indy Car, NASCAR or sprint car racing on television. He loved telling stories about his Uncle Carl Farr’s racing career; or about his time working with friend Jim Ruth and his wingless sprint car touring the country in an old RV. Jim’s love for racing began at an early age. One Christmas, Santa brought him a Big Wheel. He loved his Big Wheel and rode it so much his Dad had to retread the front tire twice. After working in several different fields and living in several different places, Jim decided to go to college. Jim attended the University of Montana Western in Dillon. Jim revealed himself to be a scholar. Jim loved Dillon and often called it his Nirvana. He was regularly seen driving his red and white VW bus around town. He graduated in May 2000 with a BA in History. He graduated Suma Cum Laude and his father had the honor of “hooding” him at graduation. Jim then attended West Virginia University. Jim started his studies in history, but changed directions and pursued his masters in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. He graduated in 2006. Jim settled in Butte, Montana and went to work for Blind and Low Vision Services as a Counselor. Jim provided counseling services to those with visual impairments seeking employment and vocational services. Jim is survived by his wife, Nan Bryant. His mother, Patricia Ann Farr Franklin. His brother, Kenneth Franklin (Tammy and son Matthew). His sister, Laura Franklin Shambeck (Steve). He was preceded in death by his father, David Franklin. The family wishes to extend gratitude to the Cancer Center at Bozeman Health. Stillwater Hospice, and Jim’s family doctor, Megan Evans. A special thank you to friends Jim Ruth, Pam Brandt, Lindy Ballard, Madeline Berkopec, Lacee Monique and so many others for their care and support. Jim’s remains are in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home where funeral services will be conducted Friday, February 7th, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. Interment will be in Mountain View Cemetery.

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James Alan Franklin

December 29, 1964 - January 23, 2025