James H. Franks Iii

James Henry Franks III, 61, of Topeka, passed away on Friday, September 24, 2021 among family and friends, at Legacy on 10 ^th in Topeka, KS.  He was born December 26, 1959 in Ottawa, Kansas, the son of James Henry Franks II and Mary (Roberts) Franks.   James was a much beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend to many.

James faithfully served in United States Marine Corp. Throughout his time in the military, he achieved many high rankings and honors.

Throughout his life, he was fortunate to live in Kansas, Colorado, and California. He enjoyed being in California the most and hoped to return one day.

James enjoyed cooking at home but enjoyed eating out more. He had the most contagious laugh that would make you laugh with him.  He spent his time enjoying music 24/7! His favorite shows were “The Price is Right” and “The Andy Griffith Show,” among many others.  Aside from his love of music and television sitcoms, he told jokes in a way that makes one wish they could.  While not always appropriate, his jokes were hilarious to him and he never meant harm to anyone. You couldn’t be easily offended to hang out with him.  He had an amazingly big heart and would always try to help people.  He’d do anything for anyone.  His love for his wife Gloria was admirable.  The way he had spoken about her indicated he truly loved her his whole life and wished that his ashes be spread with hers.

One of James’s greatest accomplishments and where he expressed great pride was being a United States Marine.  “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” was felt in his home and carried over to his children with great pride.   During his time in the service, he was stationed in  29 Palms, California and Oceanside, California - the birthplaces of his two children.  His favorite station was in Okinawa, Japan.

James was a great man that deserved a better hand in life, but he tried until his last days to stay optimistic about the future.  He always kept dreaming.  He is a true example of the phrase: “Semper Fi”.

James was preceded in death by his mother, Mary (of Ottawa) and father, James II and stepmother, Wilma (of Wellsville). He was also preceded in death by the mother of his two children, Gloria Eva Garcia. James is survived by his children: Gidget Lynn, 43 and James IV, 42.   He is also survived by several grandchildren: Gloria Faith, 26; Ritchie, 25; Chestina, 25; Christian, 22; Tristen, 19; Kota, 17; Shyanne, 14; and Cameron, 13.  He also has two great grandchildren: Trinity Mae, 6 and Ryver James, 5.  James is also survived by his brothers: John, 51 and Bobby, 57 and sister Venie, 55.

The family asks that you help celebrate his life on Thursday, September 30, 2021 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Davidson Funeral Home, Topeka, KS. Services will be live-streamed at the Davidson Funeral Home & Cremation Services Facebook page.  Please bring pictures, stories, music, jokes and any precious memories you would like to share with his family during  this most difficult time.

In lieu of flowers and cards, the family asks that donations be made to Wounded Warriors, the VFW, or any of your favorite military-based charities.

www.davidsonfuneral.com