James Gordon Franklin

James Gordon Franklin was born on October 4, 1964, to Celesta M. Franklin and James (“Brit”) Franklin in Nashville, Tennessee. On June 1, 2023, James quietly uttered “I Love You” to his devoted wife, mother-in law, and niece (Ingrid) before closing his eyes and entering eternal rest.

Being the fourth child and “the baby,” James was instantly loved by his older brothers and sister; they played a huge part in his upbringing. His family’s dedication to the Lord led to James professing his faith in God at an early age. James was a faithful member of Schrader Lane Church of Christ. Under the tutelage of Bro. David Jones, he learned to serve God and understood the importance of having a solid foundation. James would also come to realize early on that his mother, Mama Les, didn’t play. “If you don’t go to church on Sunday, don’t ask to go anywhere else that week!” was her motto.

James was educated in the Nashville Public School System, having attended Stratford High School. He was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the National Honor Society, and he competed on the school’s track team. He was active in the community with the East Nashville neighborhood cleanup project from 1979 to 1982. In his earlier years, James participated in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts programs—finding joy in putting on the uniform, showing off his badges, and eating the meeting snacks. He also enjoyed making music on his trumpet and playing football and basketball. And James was never alone; his little niece Marjorie was always in tow. With there being only a nine-month difference in their ages, they grew up as more like brother and sister, rather than uncle and niece.

After graduating from Stratford High School in 1982, James attended Morehouse College on an academic scholarship. He became a distinguished member of the Morehouse Glee Club. He was a mentor, confidant, and true friend to many of his college brothers. He graduated from Morehouse in 1986, having earned a B.A. degree in Accounting/Finance. Utilizing his degree swiftly, James began his career at the Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Court Office for Judge Hildebrand. He was also employed with the United Methodist Publishing House, Altissimo Recordings, and the National Association State Board of Accountancy (NASBA)—where, on December 14, 2018, James received the Ad Astra Award (Employee of the Year).

James became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated in 1987. He was initiated into the Nashville Alumni Chapter. James diligently served by holding several offices at the chapter and province levels, participating in projects and programs, and willingly donating his time, talents, and resources whenever asked. James was both a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated and the South Central Province of Kappa Alpha Psi. Kappa Alpha Psi was treasured by James and he was well-known and sought after in friendship at the chapter, province, and national levels. He served as his chapter’s representative in the National Pan-Hellenic Council and became the treasurer. It was during this time that he met his future wife.

He later courted, fell in love with, and married the former Tonisha Myers, who would prove to be a beloved and devoted wife. To God’s glory, James and Tonisha were able to celebrate their eighteenth wedding anniversary on May 28, 2023. During their wedded bliss, James and Tonisha joined Mount Zion Baptist Church. Although there were no biological children born to their union, James became the godfather of K’Yden, a bouncing baby boy. He could hardly wait for K’Yden to be old enough to play.

James absolutely loved Christmas! When he discovered online shopping and Amazon, he was off and running. Little K’Yden had racetracks, balls, football sets, and bicycles—yet, he was only three years old! All anyone could do was laugh. James was having the time of his life making K’Yden (the joy of his life) smile. And it was out of this same love that James showered his wife, nieces, nephews, brothers, sister, and friends with their hearts’ desires . . . just shopping away!

James was a loving, generous, quiet, even-tempered man; he would not readily get upset. However, he was equally capable of speaking his mind, leaving no doubt as to what he believed and where he stood on family matters, his health, and his unwavering faith. Let’s just say that he could put you in your place (if he wanted and/or needed to do so).

James loved football—having originally claimed the Dallas Cowboys as his team, then becoming a staunch San Francisco 49ers die-hard fan, with the Tennessee Titans being a strong second on his roster of favorites. You could often find James and Tonisha coaching their favorite teams from the stands at a Tennessee Titans game or from their living room couch.

As his health began to fail him, James never complained; he continued to enjoy life and even refused to miss the opportunity to travel abroad to England to visit his nephew (Henry III). He rejected the notion of letting his medical complications hinder him from trusting God. James was encouraged by the many visits from close friends, church members, and family, as well as phone calls from his Kappa and Morehouse brothers. A man of valor is characterized as “a man of courage and fearlessness, especially in times of battle”; based on this definition, James certainly was the epitome of such a man. He leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten—he truly will be missed.

James was preceded in death by his mother, Celesta M. Franklin; father, James (“Brit”) Franklin; sister, Beverly J. Kindall; and father-in-law, Ernest W. Myers.

Those he leaves to cherish his memory are as follows: his devoted and loving wife of eighteen years, Tonisha Myers Franklin; devoted mother-in-law, Lillie W. Myers; brothers—Henry (Sula) Atwater II and Jack Atwater; brothers-in-law—Attorney Edward T. Kindall and Tremaine (Lindsey) Myers; devoted nieces and nephews—Marjorie (Timothy) Turner, Ingrid (Lamont) Stone, Henry Atwater III, Rochel Moore, Kristin (Corey) Kindall Richardson, and Brandon (Morgan) Tansil; great nieces and nephews—Briana Willis, Lawrence Jeter III, Kennedy Cato, Miles and Parker Richardson, and Kru Tansil; godchildren—Kirsten Cato and K’Yden Maurice Summers; devoted cousins—William (Barbara) Akins and Gayle Akins; devoted friends—Kevin Cato, Aaron Swain, Clyde Bond, and Terri Robertson; and a host of other relatives and friends.