Jim Franklin, 66, counselor became pastry chef – Coastal Observer
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Jim Franklin, 66, counselor became pastry chef

January 23, 2020

James Edward Franklin Jr. of Pawleys Island, the long-time pastry chef at Kudzu bakery, died Jan. 16 at his home. He was 66.

He was born Jan. 20, 1953, in Charlotte, the son of the late Ella Palmer Mitchum and James Edward Franklin. He grew up in Columbia and graduated from Eau Claire High School. Jim had a passionate enthusiasm for learning all his life. He graduated from USC- Coastal Carolina College with a degree in psychology, attended Emory School of Theology and graduated with a master’s in divinity from Lutheran Theological Seminary. 

He worked for the Methodist Church, then began work as an alcohol and drug abuse counselor for the Mental Health Center before beginning a culinary degree at Johnson and Wales University, specializing in baking and pastry. 

Mr. Franklin was known as the bandana-wearing pastry chef who could be found smiling and baking bread and making beautiful cakes at Kudzu bakery for more than 20 years.

He was remembered as a man who loved the simple pleasures of life, such as the details of the perfect loaf of bread, a constant cup of coffee, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, sunning at the Pawleys Island beach, riding his bike, spending all day preparing a meal, delighting in the birth of grandchildren and spending time with his family. He had a wide smile, welcoming spirit and a contagious laugh. 

He is survived by his wife, Betsy Franklin; his children, Suzanne Gilmer Stone of Charleston, Emily Caroline Dauber (Cory) of Columbia and Caleb Stuart Franklin of Columbia; two stepdaughters, Lindsey Greenroad (Charles) of Myrtle Beach and Alison Bryan (David) of Mount Pleasant; his sister, Julie Eileen Franklin of Newberry; two grandchildren, Clementine Suzette Dauber and Ames Pascal Dauber; and his step-grandchildren, Maxwell Beckham Hornsby, Charles Jackson Greenroad, David Collins Bryan III and Betsy Pearl Bryan.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

There is a guest book at goldfinchfuneralhome.com.

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Georgetown County Board of Education: First and third Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m., Beck Education Center. For details, go to gcsd.k12.sc.us. Georgetown County Council: Second and fourth Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers, 129 Screven St., Georgetown. For details, go to georgetowncountysc.org. Pawleys Island Town Council: Second Mondays, 5 p.m. Town Hall, 323 Myrtle Ave. For details, go to townofpawleysisland.com.   , .

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