James Ray Franchini, “Jim,” passed away peacefully surrounded by his three children on August 12, 2022, at the age of 73.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Mario and Lena Franchini, and his brother, Chief Justice Gene Franchini, and wife, Glynnie Franchini. Jim was blessed with a large and loving family, and leaves behind the mother of his children, Janet Franchini; son, Scott Franchini, and wife, Angela Franchini; son, David Franchini; son, Joey Franchini, and wife, Amanda Franchini; and six beautiful and loving grandchildren, Jayden, Isabella, Milania, James, Reese, and Jase. He is survived by a large extended family, including numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Born and raised in Albuquerque, NM, Jim attended St. Mary’s grade school, Highland High School, and received his BS in Business Administration from the University of Albuquerque in 1971.
Jim was highly respected in the business community, first stepping into the shoes of his father, who was one of the founding partners of Southwest Distributing. Jim worked his way up from the bottom, eventually becoming Secretary-Treasurer before venturing off to become co-owner of the highly successful Palms Trading Co. Later in life, Jim followed his passion for cars, working for Penske Automotive.
Jim was a man of conviction and a breath of fresh air to the people who had the opportunity to interact with him. Having been raised in the Italian community of Albuquerque, NM, he was incredibly proud of his heritage. He learned early on to be brutally honest with the people surrounding him. This honesty, coupled with his humor, gave Jim a personality larger than life. Above all else, Jim loved his family and raised his sons with the same convictions, honesty, and humor that he held. He never missed a school or sporting event and supported his sons in their endeavors throughout his life. He was very proud of his family, being there for them in good times and bad. Jim will be in our hearts and souls for eternity and be forever missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Republican National Committee at https://secure.gop.com/donate -or-
Nascar Foundation at https://www.nascarfoundation.org/
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated to honor Jim on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at 9:45 AM at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 East Thomas Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85018. Private reception to follow. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Sarah Q Rosales (Stevens)
Scott and family, my deepest condolences to you all. My entire family spent a lot of time with the Franchini’s going back to my Grandparents Jim and Jane LaRue. My Uncle Mike and Jim were classmates at St. Mary’s. Scott is a lifelong friend of mine. From my family to yours, much love and our prayers.
Christine Beardslee
No words can express my heartfelt condolences to Jim’s family. Some of my of my fondest memories were all the wonderful times we shared with him and Janet. He was larger than life and a force to be reckoned with. I will always cherish the wonderful memories of such a great guy! RIP Jimmy and I hope you and Bob are celebrating a better life together. The Angels will have their hands full welcoming this wonderful new Angel.
God bless you dear friend!
Chris Beardslee ❤❤
Kathy Armijo Kloeppel
Jimmy and I attended St Mary’s together for 10 years. We shared many experiences together along with our classmates. We all knew each other well as we were a small school. We texted occasionally, most recently when one of our classmates passed. I am very sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. He was unique and will be missed by all who knew him well. My sincere condolences to the entire Franchini Family.
Ernie Zapata
You will be sorely missed my dear friend! My sincere condolences to your entire Franchini family Jim where you are leaving a huge void in All their lives and ours as your friends as well.
I have many fond memories with you Jim, one of my favorites being the days when we coached/managed our boys Joey and Damian at Eastdale little league, those surely were the days. Our family’s times when we’d get together on BBQs at your home we’re a hoot with you, Janet, Scott, David and Joey and my Damian, Diondra Marcia and myself.
I wish I would have had the opportunity to be with you at least one last time my friend but now as Chris mentioned you and Bob can enjoy each other’s company through eternity.
Much Love to the Franchini’s on this sad and sorrowful day! God Bless you All!
Gilbert Gallegos
My fondest memmories with Jimmy were when we participated in sports together at St Mary’s and Wells Park Community Center. Jimmy was the fastest sprinter at St. Mary’s in the 8th grade, he also ran track for Wells Park. We both played basketball for St. Mary’s, Jimmy and his Dad often gave me rides to games. I especially remember his Dad’s big new Lincoln. When I returned to Albuquerque during visits, I would often stop at Palms to talk to Jimmy.
He was a good and fine person, my condolences to his family.
Sincerely,
Gilbert Gallegos
ROGER GROSS
WHEN I FOUND OUT ABOUT JIM’S PASSING , I TURNED NUMB. JIM & I GO BACK TO WHEN CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS COMPETED IN SPORTS. WE HAD QUITE THE RIVALRY BETWEEN ST. CHARLES AND ST MARYS. JIM & I BOTH ATTENDED HIGHLAND AND THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBUQUERQUE TOGETHER. JIM’S HEART WAS AS BIG AS HIS SMILE ! WE HAD MANY ADVENTURES TOGETHER AND SHARED GREAT FRIENDS. TO THE FRANCHINI FAMILY OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS. OUR SON JASON ESPECIALLY SENDS HIS THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO DAVID AND SCOTT.
ROGER & GENA GROSS
Richard Marmon II
Jim was a real friend from grade school, thru high school and college. So many memories and so many stories. He will be missed.
Linda and R. Marmon
Debbie Gurule
My heart breaks for you all. Jimmy was such a great man, I loved working with him at Southwest Distributing. We all had such great times.
May you rest in peace Jimmy, sending Gods love and prayers
Fina Chaves
The Franchini family was our neighbors for ten years on Marquette Ave. in Albuquerque. Jim was six yeas old when we moved in as neighbors and a very mischievous kid. He and my son Frank Jr. were buddies in mischief.
Ironically and sadly my son Frank passed away just eight months ago. I pray they meet in heaven remembering
old times. We moved to California and later in Albuquerque we met Jimmy as we knew him at Palms Trading co. We were thrilled to see him and see what a wonderful man he had become. Of course his parents Mario and Lena
were the best people you would ever know.
My prayers and condolences go out to the Franchini family.
Mrs. Frank (Fina) Chaves