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JIMMY MARSHALL FRANKLIN, legendary airshow pilot and treasured father, brother, uncle, and friend performed his final earthly airshow on Sunday, July 10, 2005 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada. He and close friend and airshow associate, Bobby Younkin, died in a midair collision of their aircrafts. Jimmy was born to Oliver Gene "Zip" and Valerie Jones Franklin on May 16, 1948 in Lovington, NM. He learned to fly while sitting on his dad's lap, helping in the family ranching and aviation businesses. He soloed at age 12, taught himself aerobatics, and at 19 began a 38-year world-renowned career---Franklin Air Show. Jimmy faced a potentially career-ending heart condition seven years ago, but health and career were fully restored with the help of world-class surgeon, friend, and fellow airshow performer---Dr. Raymond Vetsch, Freeman Heart Institute, a heart-valve donor, and God. The Franklins will be forever thankful. Jimmy is survived by Kyle Franklin---beloved son and able business partner, fellow airshow performer and wing-walker; devoted sister, Terry Franklin; brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Jana White Franklin; nephew, Soren; and niece, Mariah Sky Franklin; as well as innumerable friends and fans. Join us in celebration of his life on October 17, 2005 11:00 a.m., at First Baptist Church, 270 Country Club Drive, Ruidoso, NM. In lieu of flowers, the Franklins will gratefully acknowledge tax-free donations made to Freeman Foundation, for Jimmy Franklin's Heart Memorial, 1102 West 32nd St., Joplin, MO 64804. For more information concerning donations contact www.freemanhealth.com.
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