Memorial
James Franklin Franta, Jr., 60, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, May 12, 2025. A visitation will be held Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Cedar Memorial Chapel State Room. A memorial service will be held at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 10:00am. Burial will follow at the Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
James was born on December 27, 1964, in Cedar Rapids, IA, the son of James Franta Sr. and Mary (Oswald) Franta. James earned the rank of Eagle Scout and later became an area director for the Hawkeye Area Council of Boy Scouts of America. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Iowa. Inspired by his love of Hawkeye football, James coached for the Metro Youth Football Association and established the MYFA Scholarship. During this time, he also taught Industrial Technology, coached football and was the student leadership adviser at Harding Middle School for several years, before starting his own lawn care company, Jim Bob’s Lawn Care. He later expanded his business to include more landscaping through Cascading Waters and Integrit. James was a member of the EAA and AOPA. He enjoyed flying in the Cessna Mark II after receiving his pilot’s license.
Jim's most cherished titles were those of Mr. Franta and Coach Franta. James instilled discipline and a strong work ethic in the boy scouts, athletes, students and employees he supervised. His happiest moments were seeing his “kids” achieve their dreams by reaching their full potential in football, school, work and life.
Those left to cherish his memory are his siblings, Janet (Doug) Schwandt, Joyce Franta, Judith Franta, Joel Franta of Cedar Rapids, and Juanita (Jeff) Kipp of Noblesville, Indiana, his Aunt Janette (David) Franta, his nieces and nephews; Douglas Franta, Angela (Gary) Keast, Carl Schwandt, Brittany (Mike) Schwandt-Kimball, Emily Kipp and Kristina Kipp, Mackenzie Schwandt, Christian Schwandt, Cassidy Schwandt, Presten Keast, Tallyn Keast, Brichelle Kimball, and Autumn Ziegenhorn and many close cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.
He will always be remembered as a loving brother, uncle and friend. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family for donation at a later time.