James Leon Franklin was born on December 10, 1948, in Cherokee County, Texas, and grew up in Jacksonville, Texas. He passed away on October 8, 2025, at 1:57 p.m., surrounded by love and cherished memories.
James was a man of many talents — truly a “jack of all trades.” He worked as a mechanic and engineer and could fix just about any kind of car that came his way. For ten years, he also worked as a truck driver before an injury on the job led him to focus on mentoring others who shared his passion for mechanics. James found great fulfillment in helping young men and women learn the trade, offering wisdom, patience, and encouragement to everyone he taught.
Family was everything to James. He deeply loved and valued the time spent with those he cared for most. His daughter and granddaughter were his pride and joy — he spoke of them often and never missed a moment to brag about their accomplishments and how much they meant to him.
To those who knew him best, he was known affectionately as Uncle James, James L., Mr. James, or simply Unk — titles that reflected the warmth, respect, and admiration so many felt toward him.
James was preceded in death by his loving parents, Gary and Flora Franklin, and siblings Helen Jones, Gary Franklin Jr., Emma Canady, and Brenda Berry.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted daughter, Stephanie Rubino, and son-in-law, Justin Rubino, both of Jacksonville, Texas; his beloved granddaughter, Zoe Shaw; and siblings Gwendolyn Stafford, Elder Franklin, Mildred Tennison, Tommy Franklin, Larry Franklin, and Ricky Franklin — along with a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and dear friends who will forever remember his humor, hard work, and heart of gold.
Services are as follows:
Public Visitation
Friday
October 17, 2025
10:00am-5:00pm
Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home
415 N. Main St.
Jacksonville, TX 75766
Funeral Service
Saturday
October 18, 2025
11:00am
Bowens Temple Church
308 N. Bolton St.
Jacksonville, TX 75766
Interment
Old Larissa Cemetery
Bullard, TX
