James E. Franks, Sr.
November 30, 1918 - September 12, 2001

FRANKS, SR., MR.

JAMES E.

Norton Shores, MI

Mr. James E. Franks, age 82, joined his best friend & partner in service, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, September 12, 2001.

Born on November 30, 1918, Jim was the eldest child of Ernest & Jennie Koning Franks, owners of Franks' Florist now Lakeshore Floral. Jim left the floral business when God called him to join Bob Pierce, the president of World Vision, International, in relief efforts after the Korean War. Jim devoted 28 years as World Vision's Midwest Director. During this period, Jim led 4 tours of the Korean Children's Choir, procured pharmaceutical supplies for third-world countries, supported Dr. Joon Lew in his cure for leprosy, & delivered school, hygiene & medical kits to Vietnam.

In 1980, God led Jim & others to begin International Aid located north of Grand Haven along US-31 through which Jim continued God's work to serve the needy worldwide. In 1990, Jim founded Concern International. Through Concern, from his office located next to his home at 253 Dee Road, God allowed Jim to continue serving Him through projects in China, Russia, Poland, North Korea, Mexico, Haiti, Cambodia & South Dakota. While abroad, Jim stayed in continual contact with his wife, Shirley & their nine children, even as he watched crises unfold from Tienemen Square or Chernobyl, Russia. While home, Jim took needed respites from his service to God. During these times, friends could find him enjoying his home & family, tending his garden, reading or eating supper with Shirley at a Grand Haven beach picnic table.

Celebrating Jim's life & his service to God are his family: wife Shirley Stark & their nine children: 2 sons, James E. Onolee Franks, Jr. of Grand Haven, MI & Thomas Leslie Franks of Portage, MI; 7 daughters, Mary Lou James Ceton of Grand Haven, MI, Nancy Fred Emmerich of Portage, MI, Joyce Jerry Israels of Grand Haven, MI, Sue Patrick VanDuinen of E. Grand Rapids, MI, Insoon Wayne Redick of Dayton, TN, Busan Hiro Ariga of Moses Lake, WA & Keum Ja Seong Tae Kim of Covina, CA; sisters & brother, Evelyn Douglas Bronson of Grand Haven, MI, Irene Warber of Holton, MI & William Shirley Franks of Grand Haven, MI. Also praising God for their grandpa's rewarding life are 23 grand-children & 2 great-grandchildren.

SERVICE

Funeral services will be held Monday, September 17, 2001, 11:00 AM at First Reformed Church of Grand Haven with Rev. Ronald Geschwendt officiating. Interment at Lake Forest Cemetery.

VISITATION

Sunday, 2-5 & 7-9 PM at Clock Funeral Home-Grand Haven. MEMORIAL: Concern International, 253 Dee Rd., Muskegon, MI 49444.

Clock Funeral Home

16777 Lincoln St.

Grand Haven, MI 49417

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