James R. "Jim" Franklin

James R. “Jim” Franklin, 79 ½, of Peoria died peacefully at home, in the presence of his family, at 12:04 a.m. on Friday, January 13, 2017. He was born June 6, 1937, in Columbus, OH to John and Lucille (Woolard) Franklin. Known as “Red Dog,” he was a graduate of Woodruff High School and Bradley University. He married Margie Hawkins, the love of his life, on June 22, 1958. He began working at Austin Engineering Co., Inc. in 1953 and served in levels of increasing responsibility until he retired as owner/president in 2011. For Jim, care for employees and their families and integrity in business were of utmost importance. Both inspired his strong work ethic throughout the length of his career. Jim is survived by his beloved wife Margie; daughters Lee Ann of Kansas City, Jill (Rick) of Wilmington, NC, and Susan (Paul) of Victoria, MN; eight grandchildren Sam, Tim, Greta, Andrew, Carmen, Mitchell, Jayden, and Jordan; brothers Jack (Gloria) of Peoria, and Tom of Heber Springs, AR; brothers-in-law Rich (Carlene) and Tom (Cindy); nephews Jeff, Scott, Shawn, Matthew, Steven, Todd, Chris, Matt, and Ryan; and nieces Paige and Lainey. He was preceded in death by his parents; nephew John, and great nephew Jonathan. Jim loved fishing with great friends, spending time with family, flying--first a single engine airplane and then a power parachute, eating good food, riding his motor scooter, going to Marco Island, and just enjoying life. If you were his friend, you were a friend for life. His quiet, sustaining Christian faith carried him from this life into the next. He was a man of few words and many loving actions. His love and gratitude for every single person who graced his life transcends his death. His quiet love, strength, generosity, integrity, and work ethic will live on. A memorial service will be held for Jim at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2017 in the Waters of Life Chapel at Lutheran Hillside Village. Rev. Lee Ann Franklin will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 3 to 4 p.m. A private graveside service will be held at Mount Hawley cemetery. Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Peoria Chapter of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria.

James R. "Jim" Franklin

June 6, 1937 - January 13, 2017