James W. "Buddy" Franks

James W. “Buddy” Franks went home to be with the Lord on July 3, 2024, at Mountain Home VA Medical Center, Johnson City, TN. Born on September 13, 1946, in Bristol, TN, he was the only son of Fred and Sarah Clark Franks. “Buddy” served his country in the United States Airforce and worked for the Johnson City Police Department for 29 years before retiring as Captain of the JCPD. He was a member of Restoration Church.

“Buddy” was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Sarah Clark Franks. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 58 years, Kay Franks; sons, Kevin Franks (Sheila), Shawn Franks (Leslie), and Chris Franks (Stephanie); Grandchildren, Brittany Franks, Taylor Franks, Morgan Goad, Jesse Franks, Chloe Furches and Jonah Furches; Great-grandchildren Chloe Franks, SaraKay Franks, Christopher Franks, Ella Franks, Tommy Ray Franks and Melody Goad. 

The family will hold a visitation on Monday, July 8, 2024, from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 2630, Hwy. 75, Blountville, TN. A graveside service will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the Garden of Solomon, with Bro. Keith Malone officiating. Military graveside rites will be presented by the American Legion Post #3/265. 

The Johnson City Police Honor Team will be pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at https://www.t2t.org or 199 Pioneer Lane, McMinnville, TN, 37110, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105.