James Franklin

James Donald “Don” Franklin, age 77, passed away Monday, December 30, 2024 at Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center in Enola, Pennsylvania, with his family by his side.

Don was born in Marion, Kentucky to Mary Thomas Wring Franklin and James Henry Franklin. He grew up in Hopkinsville, Kentucky and graduated from Hopkinsville High School as a proud member of the Class of ’65. His favorite high school memories included being a member, playing trombone, of the Band of Tigers. After graduating from Murray State University (Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity) and the University of Missouri, he spent his career as an accountant and auditor, retiring from the Department of Defense.

Don is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ann Barton Franklin, sisters-in-law Ruth B. Collins and Karen M. Barton, brother-in-law Mark T. Barton (Cookie), nephew Sean E. Collins, cousins, and friends.

Don enjoyed family history research and worked on tracing his family’s roots for many years. He was fascinated with computers and electronic devices and was always on top of the latest technology. He was the family’s “geek squad” as well as being a master problem-solver and helping with anything and everything anyone needed. Don was an avid bicyclist until his health forced him to retire his bicycle. Watching birds and nature cams were among his favorite pastimes.

Don volunteered at the Cumberland County Historical Society for several years.

Don fought cancer with optimism and grace for 3 ½ years and was thankful for the skill and kindness of the many doctors and nurses who cared for him.

As Don requested, there will not be a funeral service. A celebration of life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, you may support the charity of your choice if you wish to honor Don’s memory.