Franklin Lee James

Service for Mr. Franklin Lee James 70, of Elgin, South Carolina will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 12:00 noon  at Trinity Baptist Church 2521 Richland Street Columbia, South Carolina Franklin Lee "Frank" James, born April 28, 1955, in Union City, Tennessee, transitioned peacefully on April 8, 2026. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend whose life reflected passion, style, and deep devotion to family and community. He was born to the union of Earnest James and Katherine Long James and was one of seven siblings. Frank graduated from Miles High School and went to further his education at the School of Art Institute of Chicago. After relocating to Niles, Michigan, he began transforming his natural talent and love for automobiles into a lasting legacy. He briefly worked at AM General before pursuing his entrepreneurial vision, founding Frank Detail & Body Shop in South Bend, Indiana. His craftsmanship and dedication took him across the country, eventually leading him to South Carolina, where he continued building both his business and his impact. Frank had a well-known love for fashion and carried himself with unmistakable style from head to toe. His appreciation for shoes began early while working at a shoe store, sparking a lifelong passion. In his free time, he enjoyed building model cars and was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Known affectionately as the "road runner," Frank had a love for speed and dreams of racing on the track. Above all, Frank's greatest love was his family. His love was unwavering, and his presence was a source of strength, laughter, and guidance. At an early age, he gave his life to the Lord, and throughout his life, he remained committed to giving back. He dedicated time each year to uplifting youth in his community, most notably by playing Santa Claus and donating bicycles to children in need. Frank leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Vivian Clark Armstead-James; his children: Tracy Jenkins of Union City, TN; Cassandra James of Columbia, SC; Catrina (Isaac) Baker of South Bend, IN Tanikia Forrest of Indianapolis, IN; Aaron Weston of Denver, CO;; Jazzline Jewell of Miami, FL; Darien Coleman of South Bend, IN; Halle Hicks of London, England; De'Treyveyehionne (Emone) Johnson Fayetteville, AK; Latrina James; Nevaeh James of Rochester, NY; . He also leaves behind a legacy through his grandchildren: ShaNeatha, Raheem, Jastin, Diamond, Jaylin, Kyla, Hardin Haydin, I'Zaya, Trinity, Tionne,  Alayna, Kennedy,  Kehlani, Milani; and three great grandchildren, Jashar,  Damier, and Dakota. Frank is also survived by his brother, Robert James of Atlanta, GA; sisters, Crystal Wilson and Tracy Bass of South Bend, IN; his special cousin, Donald Turner; his brothers in friendship, Jeff Lee and Rey Newbill; and special nephews,  Kevin Williams, Tyler Lee, and Ray "Nephew" Bond. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest and Katherine James, and his siblings: Margaret Ann, Donald Ray, Roger "Sweet" James, Jr., and Trent James. Franklin Lee "Frank" James will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his generous spirit, his undeniable style, and deep love he carried for his family and community. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories that will forever be cherished. The family of Franklin Lee "Frank" James wishes to express sincere gratitude for all acts of kindness, love, and support shown during this time of bereavement. Your prayers, calls, visits, and expressions of sympathy have been a source of comfort. Thank you to South Carolina Oncology, Duke University Oncology, and Lexington Medical Infusion Center. May God bless each of you. "Well done, thy good and faithful servant..."-Matthew 25:23

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Franklin Lee James, please visit our floral store.