Franda Lee “King” James, 72
May 26, 1953 – April 29, 2026
Franda Lee “King” James was born on May 26, 1953, to Cleo Ben James and Mary Pearl Gurley. He was later raised by his mother and her husband, A.V. King, who played a significant role in his upbringing.
At an early age, Franda accepted Christ and joined East Baptist Church. He was a faithful member of East Baptist Church, where he served as a devoted Deacon and sang in the Male Chorus until his health declined.
During his high school years, he played basketball and football. He graduated from Pontotoc High School in 1972.
On February 23, 1973, Franda was united in holy matrimony to Clara Ruth Jones. Their union was blessed with love, strength, and devotion, and together they built a beautiful life that endured through the years. In this union they had two children, Amanda Clarice James and Demond Franda James.
Franda was known for his strong work ethic and commitment to providing for his family. He worked as a supervisor at Brookwood and spent many years as a truck driver for Brookwood, Action Lane, Walking Shepherd, and Ashley. He was a skilled craftsman, so in the early 1980s, he created an additional upstairs to the family home. In his spare time, he enjoyed working in his yard, teaching his children and grandchildren how to drive, and spending meaningful time with loved ones. He was also a passionate sports fan and especially loved cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He leaves to cherish his precious memories: his loving wife, Clara Ruth James of 53 years; his children, Amanda Clarice James of Pontotoc, Mississippi, and Franda Demond James of Knoxville, Tennessee; and his beloved grandchildren, Xzavier Montez McKnight, Jazlyn Marché McKnight, both of Pontotoc, Mississippi, Lacey Nicole James of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Josiah Franda James of Asheville, North Carolina.
He is also survived by his siblings, Barbara Curry of Pontotoc, Mississippi, Deborah (Charles) Washington of Pontotoc, Mississippi, Walter (Jackie) King of Pontotoc, Mississippi, Robert (Allison) King of Pontotoc, Mississippi, Derrick King of Olive Branch, Mississippi, Glynise (Layconia) Brown of Zion, Illinois, Gary Ben (Tammy) James of Zion, Illinois, Gay James Oliver of Lansing, Michigan, Adrian James of Omaha, Nebraska, Sunsiiay Blake of Omaha, Nebraska, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.
Franda was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Pearl King; his bonus father, A.V. King; his maternal grandparents, Eugene and Hattie Gurley; his fraternal grandmother, Frances Washington James; his father-in-law, Della Field Jones; and his mother-in-law, Louise Jones.
Franda will be remembered for his strength, wisdom, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy will forever live on in the hearts of his family and all of those who knew and loved him.
Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 1, 2026, at East Baptist Church, 340 Clark Street, Pontotoc, MS 38863. Per family request, there will be no viewing.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
