James Frankson
October 16, 1946 ~ June 17, 2024
Born in:
Rochester, Minnesota
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Video Tribute:
James Sheldon Frankson, age 77, of Fargo, North Dakota, passed away peacefully, at home, on June 17, 2024, surrounded by family and supported by hospice after a six month battle with Leukemia.
James Frankson was born in Rochester, Minnesota, to Loren and Mildred Frankson, graduated from John Marshall High School and was just 17 when he started college. James attended the University of Minnesota where he was one of a select group of students who traveled the world by ship, for a year, during a new Seven Seas Divisional program aboard the S.S. Ryndam, studying and exploring cities in every corner of the world, ultimately shaping his global outlook for life.
James also attended the prestigious Minneapolis Institute of Arts and taught art in Rochester, Minnesota while traveling nationally doing art shows. James was 1 of only 12 artists selected for the esteemed American Retrospective, an acclaimed art exhibition of the most promising artists in the nation.
James had an equally successful career in business in Fargo, North Dakota as an executive with Maintenance Engineering with clients ranging from The White House to the Guggenheim, where he trained and led sales teams across the country.
50 years ago to the month, James married the love of his life, Joan Skauge. They had two daughters, Beth and Kathryn.
Active in the community, James sat on the board of ShareHouse and was a mentor through the YMCA Big Brothers program.
James was an avid photographer and world traveler, most recently journeying to Italy, France, Greece and Spain.
A lover of trophy fishing in Canada, architecture, lunches at the Fargo Country Club and spending time with family, James had a true zest for life.
James was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Joan; his daughter Beth (Chad) Satrom of Edgeley, ND; his daughter Kathryn (Patrick Hanlon) Frankson of Hopkins, MN; his brother Bob (Kathy) Frankson of Los Angeles, CA; and his grandchildren Ben (15), Zach (13) and Haven (2).
A celebration of life will be held at the Fargo Country Club at 509 26th Ave S, Fargo, ND on Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 4pm – 7pm.
Memorial donations in honor of James can be made to Hospice of the Red River Valley or to your favorite art gallery or creative studio.
I was saddened to learn of Jim’s passing. You have my deepest sympathies and prayers during this very sad time.
I had the privilege of working with Jim on some legal matters, and he certainly was a memorable and enjoyable client. He kept in touch through the years, emailing me the occasional photo from a Twins baseball or Sioux hockey game. He was very proud of his children. I’m so sorry you lost Jim to leukemia, which also took my own father much too soon. I’m not going to be able to make the Celebration on Thursday, as I’ll be watching my son play baseball in Omaha… I know Jim would understand. I wish the family all the best, and offer my sincere condolences.
I often talked with James as a cashier at Hornbachers about his travels and his love for his family. Have missed seeing him since he told me he had been ill.
So sorry to hear about the passing of my good friend Jim,we fished together in Canada on many occasions. He will be missed by many but not forgotten.I loved his sense of humor.
I was in art class at John Marshall with Jim. Mr. Rudkin was our instructor. .Frankson was a fun guy.
We have lost a very dear friend. We will miss his effervescent spirit and his text messages. Fortunately, we have many photos of fun times together with all of the Franksons, as well as some Jim’s iconic artwork decorating the walls of our home. May fond memories sustain Joan, Beth, Katie, Ben, Zach, and Haven in their loss.
We have such happy memories of time spent with Jim and the Frankson family! Jim had a great sense of humor and we so enjoyed our pizza nights together and going out for dinner. Our thoughts and prayers go to Joan, Beth and family, and Katie and family.
Bonnie and Jim Nelson
Jim was a talented & positive employee for Maintenance Engineering for many years. We have fond memories of time spent with Jim & Joan at company functions & conventions. I had a nice visit with him & Joan & Beth a couple of weeks at the Fargo Country Club. Out thoughts & prayers are with his family. He will be missed.
Curt & Debbie Kesselring
I had the privilege of teaching with Jim’s Mother Mildred in the early 70s. She was so proud of Jim! I’m so sorry to hear of his passing.
A long time ago in a galaxy far away Jim and I met through a mutual friend by the name of Bill W. Jim was one of those people you meet that’s totally unique. At the time, I really couldn’t see how a guy could make a living selling lightbulbs, but he did a heck of a job of it. So good of a job, (I’ll never forget the look on his face) that back in 1993 or 1994 I ended up buying 53 fluorescent fixtures for my house.
I and my family left Fargo in 1999 and, as these things sometimes happen, I haven’t seen Jim since. When I saw this announcement in the Forum today though, I felt compelled to respond. Because even though I’ve been lax in my relationship with him, I just needed to let the world know that this was a man worth remembering.
Joan, our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Jim will be truly missed.
Joan and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing and wish to extend our condolences.
We had many fun times in Rochester in our younger years. Jerry and I did a “memorial drive-by” of your first house near Goose Egg Park and your other house in Elton Hills. We have many fond memories of parties with friends as well as the excitement of the arrival of the two baby daughters in Rochester. Hoping that Jim’s love for all of you and the many memories of him as your husband, father, and grandfather provide you comfort now and in the future.
With deepest sympathy
I only met Jim a couple of times at your house . There are no words to ease your pain..but remember and keep all the memories.
I have such fond memories of the time when we were all neighbors in Fargo. That period of my life grounds me, and continues to be the kind of community I look back to again and again for how I wish everyone could experience the embrace of friends, family, and neighborhood. Your family was central to my time there and Jim was a steady presence, seemingly serious, but always playful and engaged with whatever was going on or needed doing – and he was the dad that worked in that cool building! Sending thoughts and prayers for you and the rest of your families.
Love,
Tobie Cornejo
Thinking of Jim today, a couple of months after our John Marshall 60th high school reunion. We hoped to see him there but it was not to be. He was missed and will be remembered by his many classmates. My condolences to his beloved family.