James Arlis Franks, age 76, a Coalgate, OK resident, was born on Wednesday, May 26, 1948, to Arlie and Inola Mae (Coffee) Franks, at Miami, AZ. James passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at Coalgate, OK. He received a Bachelor's Degree from East Central University. James retired as a Supervisory Supply Manufacturing Specialist. James served in the U.S. Army from February 2, 1967 until January 31, 1969, including his 1 year term of service in the Vietnam War fighting in the Dakto border battles of  '67 and the TET offensive in '68. In January of 1979 he returned to service until 2002 when he received the rank of Major. During his time in the Army he received numerous decorations and citations, including a Bronze Star. James began his Active Federal Service in September of 1966 as an Ordinance man for McAlester Naval Ammunition Depot and culminated it on December 31, 2010 as the Chief of Depot Operations Division. He married the love of his life, Linda Lou (Dority) on Wednesday, November 3rd, 1971 at Oklahoma City, OK. James was a member of Coalgate Church of Christ. He enjoyed reading the Bible, watching his grandkids play sports, hunting, fishing, spittin' and wittlin' with his grandkids, making walking sticks, and dancing to Christmas music.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Lou Franks of the home in Coalgate, OK; son, Danny Joe Franks and wife Maria of McAlester, OK; daughters, Misty Dawn (Franks) Orr of Coalgate, OK, Kristy Kylene (Franks) Nelson and husband Josh of Tupelo, OK; grandsons, Tristan James Franks and wife Toni, Rayden Dean Orr (Boo), Ethan Sawyer Nelson, Joshua Luke Parham, Samual Joseph Parham; granddaughters, Shawntel Cheyenne (Ward) Casey and husband Kendall, McKenzie Paige Lynn, Jillian Raye Orr (Bella), Olivia Lynn Nelson; 8 great grandchildren; sisters, Julia Ann (Franks) Hampton and husband Marvin, Donna Jean (Franks) Guinn and husband Gary; sisters in law, Sherry Franks, Sherri Harkins, Edith Clayton; brother in law, Curtis Vick.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore Arlie Franks and Inola Mae (Coffee) Franks; brothers, Johnnie Lee Franks and wife Judy, Bobby Dale Franks; sisters, Darla Jo (Franks) Vick; grandson, Kade Garrett Lynn; great granddaughter, Katyn Renee Powell.
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DATE OF SERVICES: 2:00 PM Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024
PLACE OF SERVICES: Brown's Funeral Chapel, Coalgate, Oklahoma
OFFICIATING: Wendell Ingram
INTERMENT: McCarty Cemetery, Coalgate, Oklahoma
CASKETBEARERS: Marvin Hampton Jr., Boo- Rayden Orr, Lucas Guinn, Ethan Nelson, Jonathan Orr, Sean Hilfer, Payton Hilfer, Tristan Franks
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Josh Nelson, Billy Harkins, Jimmy McCoy, Gary Coffee, Jason Ellis, Bryan Franks

Family night will be Monday 6-8PM.

CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO THE FAMILY BY EMAIL TO: BROWNSFSCOALGATE@SBCGLOBAL.NET .  PLEASE REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN YOUR CORRESPONDENCE

SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF
BROWN'S FUNERAL SERVICE - Coalgate, OK