James Franklin
James Franklin, 86, who resided in Ocala Florida, transitioned into a new life on February 15, 2023.
He was originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee where he graduated from Howard High School. He joined the Marine Corps as a teenager and served in Korea. James Franklin, MA, MPA, retired Registered Dietitian, dedicated leader in food service administration for over 31 years. He joined the Marine Corps as a teenager and served in Korea. He received a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Foods and Nutrition from Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. After graduation, he served as a Staff Dietitian with the Veterans Administration Hospital in Battle Creek, MI. He became the first man directly commissioned in the Air Force Medical Specialist Corps as a 1st Lieutenant in Michigan. He served in several Air Force Hospitals during the Vietnam crisis and was promoted to the rank of Captain. After the Air Force, he was appointed Director of Food Services for the Jewish Hospital and Rehabilitation Center in New Jersey. He then attended New York University where he obtained a Master of Arts Degree in Food Service Administration. He was later appointed Director of Nutrition Services at Westchester County Medical Center in New York. While working at the Medical Center, James became a Certified Food Executive with the International Food Service Executives’ Association. Because of his diligence and hard work in organizing the department, he was awarded a Michelin Scholarship. As a result of this scholarship, he received a Master of Public Administration in Health Care Administration from Pace University in New York. He continued to serve as Director of Nutrition Services until his retirement in 1992. After retirement, James continued his travels around the world, covering the seven continents, the seven seas and the seven wonders of the world. He was a long-time member of the American Dietetic Association and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Marie Franklin with 51 years of marriage; two sons, James Franklin Jr., (Christopher Franklin. who preceded him in death), three granddaughters: Rachel, Morgan, and Kara; surviving brothers, Roland Franklin, David Franklin (Vera), Daniel Franklin (Carmen); surviving sisters: Rhoda Ross, Patsy Franklin, Urania Davis (Lewis).
He was preceded in death by two brothers, William Franklin, Benjamin Franklin and one sister Ada Franklin. He is survived by five nieces, Debbie Franklin, Ericka Franklin, Rhonda Franklin, Felicia Kight, Vinita Kight; Seven nephews, Gerry Davis, Lewis Davis, Jr., Jason Franklin, Roland Franklin, Jr., Lance Kight, Ronald Kight, Romel Franklin, and Terry Lindsay Greene; two loving cousins, Telicia Strickland Howell, Faye Ware and a host of grandnephews, cousins, in-laws, other relatives, and special neighbors.
Graveside services will be on Wednesday, April 5, at 2 p.m. in Chattanooga National Cemetery.